- Name
- Alder
- Common Names
- Black Alder, Common Alder, European Alder
- Scientific Name
- Alnus glutinosa
- Family
- Betulaceae (Birch Family)
- Description
- 40 to 60 ft tall tree often found naturalized along streams.
- Leaves
- This plant has 2 to 4.5 in. alternate, rounded, shiny, green leaves that have non-showy fall color.
- Flowers
- Flowers are 2 to 4 in. yellow-brown to red-brown or even red-purple catkins (male flowers). Female flowers on short purplish brown strobili which persist until winter. Male catkins can be dark purple/red (long and drooping down), while the female catkins look like miniature buds.
- Bloom Time
- February-May
- Pollen Source
- very good
- Nectar Source
- none
- Pollen Color
- yellowish-green
- Native to NC
- No
