Alnus serrulata
Hazel Alder
Other Common Names: Smooth Alder

Family:

Betulaceae (Birch Family) 28

Genus:

Alnus (Alder) 2

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 520

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 839

Flower Notes:

Monoecious flowers; Male catkins (brownish-yellow, form in clusters of 2-5, 2-4" long); Female catkins (bright red flowers, clusters of 2-5, 1/4" long); Blooms in March-April

Foliage Notes:

Alternate, simple, 2 to 4" long, 1 1/4 to 2 1/2" wide. ovate or obovate with fine teeth along margin

Stem Notes:

Brown stems

Fruit Notes:

Dark Brown (woody, cone-like catkins ripen in fall and persist into the winter)

Ultimate Height:

10-20 feet

Ultimate Spread:

6-10 feet

Bloom Times:

Light Requirements:

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium to wet 60

Soil Notes:

Prefers medium to wet soils; Tolerates clay and wet soils

Maintenance:

Low 274

Ecological Functions:

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Alder

Special Characteristics:

Naturalizing 114

Showy Flowers 67

Wet Soil Tolerant 109

Additional Information

Closely related to Alnus rugosa, differing chiefly in its leaves, which are usually broadest above the middle and have the margins set with fine, nearly regular teeth. Multi-stemmed habit and tends to sucker.