Oregon alder, Red alder
Alnus rubra

Family: Betulaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 12-15 m high. It usually branches into several trunks. The lower branches hang downwards. The bark is thin and pale grey. The leaves are large and have coarse teeth around the edge. They are dark green above and paler grey-green underneath. There is often fine orange hairs underneath. The male flowers are catkins borne at the tips of the branches. They are yellow. The fruit are woody and cone like. They are 2.5 cm long.

There are 25-35 Alnus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to North America. It can tolerate reasonable frost. It often grows on flood plains and along streams. It can grow in wet soils. It cannot tolerate shade. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, North America (country/location of origin), Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The wood is used for smoking fish because it imparts a flavour. It is also used in restaurant grilling. The slimy cambium tissue between the wood and the bark is eaten. It can also be dried and stored. The buds and young catkins are edible but not tasty. They are high in protein.

Edible parts

Wood - flavour, bark, buds, catkins, sap

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

It is a fast growing tree. Trees live for 75 years.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Alnus oregona Nutt.;