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| ## red alder {#red-alder .Title-Header}                               |
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| *Alnus rubra* Bong.                                                   |
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| Plant Symbol = ALRU2                                                  |
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*Contributed by: USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center*

# Alternate Names![](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.0395833333333333in" height="4.052777777777778in"}

Pacific Coast alder, Oregon alder, western alder,

#####  

# Uses

*Ethnobotanic*: Native American tribes from Alaska to Southern
California have long recognized the value of red alder and put its bark
layers, roots, leaves, twigs, cones, and sap to use for a variety of
purposes. The inner bark was often dried, grounded into a powder and
then used as a thickener in soups or mixed with cereals when making
bread.

Various layers of the red alder bark yield red, red-brown, brown,
orange, and yellow dyes (Moerman1998). The various colors from the bark
were used to color baskets, hides, moccasins, quills, and hair. The
native Americans of the Pacific Northwest extracted a red dye from the
inner bark, which was used to dye fishnets. Oregon tribes used the
innerbark to make a reddish-brown dye for basket decorations (Murphey
1959). Yellow dye made from red alder catkins was used to color quills.

A mixture of red alder sap and charcoal was used by the Cree and
Woodland tribes for sealing seams in canoes and as a softener for
bending boards for toboggans (Moerman 1998).

*Wood and fiber:* Red alder wood is used in the production of wooden
products such as food dishes, furniture, sashes, doors, millwork,
cabinets, paneling and brush handles. It is also used in fiber-based
products such as tissue and writing paper.

In Washington and Oregon, it was largely used for smoking salmon. The
Indians of Alaska used the hallowed trunks for canoes (Sargent 1933).

*Medicinal:* The North American Indians used the bark to treat many
complaints such a headaches, rheumatic pains, internal injuries, and
diarrhea (Moerman 1998).

The Salinan used an extract of the bark of alder trees to treat cholera,
stomach cramps, and stomachaches (Heinsen 1972). The extract was made
with 20 parts water to 1 part fresh or aged bark. The bark contains
salicin, a chemical similar to aspirin (Uchytil 1989).

Infusions made from the bark of red alders were taken to treat anemia,
colds, congestion, and to relieve pain. Bark infusions were taken as a
laxative and to regulate menstruation. The Pomo boiled the bark in water
to make a wash to treat skin irritations and sores (Goodrich et al.
1980). Bark poultices were applied to reduce swelling. Chewing the bark
helped to heal sores and ulcers in the mouth.

Externally the sap was applied to cuts and a poultice of the bark has
been applied to eczema, sores, and aches (Moerman 1998). The twigs were
made into infusions that served as liniments for sprains and backaches.

*Basketry:* The roots of red alder were used in baskets made by the
Hupa, Whilkut, Nongatl, Lassik, Wailaki, Yurok Wiyot, and Pomo tribes
(Merrill 1923). Red alder roots form the brown pattern in baskets made
by the Whilkut tribe of northwestern California.

*Wildlife*: Deer and elk eat the leaves, twigs, and buds. Red alder
seeds attract many bird and small mammal species including redpolls,
siskins, goldfinches, and mice. Most of the seeds remain on the tree
well into the fall and winter months, providing valuable resources for
seed-eating birds, insects and mammals when other foods are scarce.
Beavers eat the bark and build dams and lodges with the stems. Red alder
trees provide valuable nesting for birds and thermal cover for
black-tailed deer and other wildlife.

*Livestock*: Horses, cattle, sheep and goats browse on the leaves, twigs
and buds of young alder trees.

*Conservation* and e*rosion control*: Red alder is an excellent species
for re-establishing woodlands. The trees are used in forested riparian
buffers to help reduce stream bank erosion, protect water quality, and
enhance aquatic environments. Plantings of red alder are effective in
controlling erosion on steep slopes in disturbed areas (Uchytil 1989).
These fast-growing trees help to prevent soil erosion because of their
dense canopy cover and thick litter layer that forms within the first 3
to 5 years. The leaf litter is high in nitrogen content (Labadie 1978).

*Wood*: Red alder wood is a high quality hardwood with a fine, even
textured, cherry-like grain that is important commercially in the
Pacific Northwest (Labadie 1978). It is used for cabinetry and furniture
making as well as a variety of other purposes including plywood,
veneers, paneling, pulp, and firewood.

*Other:* The small cones cling to the branches long after the leaves
have fallen and make decorative additions to flower arrangements
(Brenzel 2001).

# Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

# Description

######## General: Birch family (Betulaceae). Red alder is a deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. The trees are medium-sized, reaching various heights from 15 to 30 meters tall when mature. These fast-growing trees often grow 1 meter per year until 20 years of age. The trees can live to 100 years of age with trunks from 36 to 46 cm in diameter. A shrub form occurs when the trees grow in open exposed areas. The branches are slender and spreading. The thin bark is generally smooth, ashy gray to grayish-brown, and is usually covered with white lichens as it ages. The inner bark is reddish brown. 

######## 

######## The alternately arranged leaves are dark green, simple and broadly ovate. The leaves are 6 to 15 cm long with a pointed tip. The leaf edges are serrated or softly lobed and slightly rolled under, giving a dark-green edging effect from the underside of the leaf. The undersides of the leaves are rusty colored and covered with fine soft hairs. 

######## 

######## The trees are monoecious, bearing both female flowers and male catkins. The tassel-like catkins grow in cluster of two to four. The catkins are greenish-yellow and 10 to 16 cm long. The flowers appear in spring either before or with the leaves. The flowers develop into small-scaled cones (fruits) that are 2 to 2.5cm long and 1 to 1.5 cm across. Each cone contains from 50 to 100 seeds that are tiny flat nutlets. The abundant seeds are wind dispersed from May to winter months. 

Red alder trees invade clearings or burned-over areas and forms
temporary forests (Grimm 1967). Over time, red alders build up the soil
with their copious litter, and enriched it with nitrogen compounds
formed by symbiotic bacteria that live in little nodules on their roots.
Red alder stands are eventually succeeded by Douglas fir, western
hemlock, and sitka spruce.
![](media/image3.jpeg){width="1.7590277777777779in"
height="3.4381944444444446in"}

*Distribution*: Red alder is most often observed in moist areas within
200 kilometers of the Pacific Coast of North America from Alaska to
Southern California at elevations below 762 meters (Uchytil 1989). It
also occurs along streams and lakes from the Yukon Territory and British
Columbia south through the Rocky Mountain region to Colorado and New
Mexico, and along Sierra Nevada to Lower California (Britton 1908). Red
alder has spread to upland areas since European contact because of
increased disturbance, such as logging, which opens up sites for
colonization.

For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this
species on the PLANTS Web site.

*Habitat*: Red alder trees are often associated with mixed evergreen
forests and redwood forests in coastal areas. The trees grow in riparian
forests along streams, in swamps and in marshy areas.

# Adaptation

Red alder has two adaptations that allow the trees to colonize bare
infertile substrates: 1) the roots have nodules that house symbiotic
bacteria which fix nitrogen from the air contained in the pores of the
soil, and 2) the seeds need sunlight to germinate.

Actinomycetes (filamentous bacteria) in the genus *Frankia* invade
alders through their root hairs and stimulate cell division, forming
nodules on the roots (Pojar & Mackinnon 1994). Species of *Frankia*
remove nitrogen from the air and 'fix' it in a form useful to plants
(Ibid.). Red alder provides a home for the actinomycete, which in turn
'leaks' some of the nitrogen, making it available for the alder (Ibid.).
Alder improves soils fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen in a form
that can be used by other plants. This conversion is why forests stands
containing alder generally have a rich understory (Ibid.).

Young trees can survive disturbance by resprouting from the stumps
(Labdie 1978). Red alder trees tolerate flooding and can grow in areas
where the water is brackish (Brenzel 2001).

# Establishment

Red alder prefers moist, well-drained, deep sandy loams (Labadie 1978)
and full sun. Quick growing red alders can be planted with slower
growing trees such as oak to provide quick screening (Lowry 1999).

*Propagation from Seed*: Red alder trees are generally propagated from
seed. Mature seeds can be collected beginning in May. Spring sown seeds
of *Alnus rubra* should germinate successfully as long as they are not
covered as the seeds require sunlight to germinate and germinate best in
full sun. Sow the seeds in containers or seed trays containing a slow
release fertilizer. Firm the medium and place the seeds thinly and
evenly on top. When large enough to handle, the seedlings can be placed
into individual pots. If growth is sufficient, they may be planted into
their permanent positions in the summer, if not they can be planted the
following spring.

The seeds do not require pretreatment, however germination can be
improved by cold stratification for 1 to 3 months (Emery 1988). To do
this, mix the seeds with three parts moistened peat moss or vermiculite.
Place the mixture into an airtight jar or sealed plastic bag in the
refrigerator for 1 to 3 months before planting. This process is not
necessary if the seeds are planted in the fall, as the temperatures and
moisture over winter will accomplish the same purpose.

# Management

If desired, red alder trees can be pruned for shape when young (Labadie
1978). Follow up pruning is minimal and consists of removing any suckers
that may form as well as removing dead wood or crossing branches.

# Pests and Potential Problems

Aphids and tent caterpillars and borers can be problems for red alder
trees.

# Related Species

White alder (*Alnus rhombifolia*) was also widely used for the same
purposes as red alder by Native American tribes. White alder occurs in
inland areas while red alder generally grows in areas of maritime
influence. Red alder and white alder can be difficult to distinguish
from each other. White alder does not have red inner bark or rolled leaf
margins.

# Cultivars, Improved and Selected Materials (and area of origin)

These plants are readily available through native plant nurseries.

# References

Baskin, Carol J., Baskin, Jerry M. 2002. *Propagation protocol for
production of container* Alnus rubra Bong. *Plants University of
Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky*. IN: Native Plant Network. \[Online\].
Available:
[http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org](http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org/).
Moscow (ID): University of Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest
Research Nursery. \[22 February 2002\].

Brenzel, K.N., Editor 2001. *Western garden book*. Sunset Publishing
Corp., Menlo Park, California. 768 pp.

Dirr, M.A. 1990. *Manual of woody landscape plants: their
identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation, and
uses*. 4^th^ ed. Stipes Publishing Co., Champaign, Illinois.

Dirr, M.A. & C.W. Heuser 1987. *The reference manual of woody plant
propagation*. Varsity Press, Athens, Georgia.

Emery, D.E. 1988. *Seed propagation of native California plants*. Santa
Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California. 115 pp.

Farrar, J.L. 1995. *Trees of the Northern United States and Canada*.
Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa.

Goodrich, J., C. Lawson & V.P. Lawson 1980. *Kashaya Pomo Plants*.
Heyday Books, Berkeley, California. 171 pp.

Grimm, W.C. 1967. *Familiar trees of America*. Harper & Row, Publishers,
New York, New York.

Heinsen, V. 1972. *Mission San Antonio de Padua* *Herbs: Medicinal herbs
of early days*. Third edition. Lockwood, California. 142pp.

Labadie, E.L. 1978. *Native plants for use in the California landscape.*
Sierra City Press, Sierra City, California. 248 pp.

Lowry, J.L. 1999. *Gardening with a wild heart: Restoring California's
native landscapes at home.* University of California Press, Berkeley,
California. 252 pp.

Martin, A.C., A.L. Welson, & H.S. Zim 1951. *American wildlife and
plants*. McGraw Hill Book Company, New York, New York.

McMinn, H.E. & E. Maino 1963. *An illustrated manual of Pacific Coast
trees*. 2^nd^ ed. University of California Press, Berkeley, California.

Merrill, R.E. 1923. *Plants used in basketry by the California Indians.*
IN: A. L. Kroeber, Editor, University of California Publications in
American Archaeology and Ethnology, Vol XX. Pp. 215-242.

Mirov, N.T. & C.J. Kraebel 1939. *Collecting and handling seeds of wild
plants.* Civilian Conservation Corps Forestry Publication No. 5. US.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 42 pp.

Moerman, D.E. 1998. *Native American ethnobotany*. Timber Press,
Portland, Oregon. 927 pp.

Moerman, D.E. 1999. *Native American Ethnobotany Database: Foods, drugs,
dyes and fibers of native North American Peoples. The University of
Michigan-Dearborn.* \[Online\]. Available:

<http://www.umd.umich.edu/cgi-bin/herb>

(2002).

Munz, P.A. & D.D. Keck 1963. *A California flora.* University of
California Press, Berkeley & Los Angeles, California. 1681 pp.

Pojar, J & A. MacKinnon 1994. *Plants of the Pacific Northwest coast:
Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and Alaska*. Lone Pine Publishing,
Redmond, Washington.

Preston, R.J. Jr. 1948. *North American trees*. 2^nd^ ed. The Iowa State
College Press, Ames, Iowa.

Sargent, C.S. 1933. *Manual of the trees of North America*. The
Riverside Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Sargent, C.S. 1961. *Manual of the trees of North America*. Vol. 1.
Dover Publications, Inc., New York, New York.

Thomas, J.H. 1961. *Flora of the San Cruz mountains of California: a
manual of the vascular plants*. Stanford University Press, Stanford,
California.

Uchytil, R.J. 1989. *Alnus rubra*. IN: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences
Laboratory 2001, May. *Fire Effects Information*

*System*, \[Online\]. Available: <http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/>.
\[22 February 2002\].

Viereck, L.A. & E.L. Little, Jr. 1972. A*laska trees and shrubs*. United
States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Agriculture Handbook
No. 410.

Washington State Department of Transportation 2002. *Alnus rubra*.
Environmental Affairs Office, Olympia, Washington. Accessed: 10jan02.

\<http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/eesc/environmental/programs/culres/ethbot/a-c/Alnusrubra.htm\>

Wyman, D. 1965. *Trees for American gardens*. The MacMillan Company, New
York, New York.

# Prepared By:

#### *Jammie Favorite*

Formerly USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center

# Baton Rouge, Louisiana

######## Diana L. Immel

USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, c/o Plant Science Department,
University of California, Davis, California

# Species Coordinator:

##### *M. Kat Anderson*

USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, c/o Plant Science Department,
University of California, Davis, California

Edited: 29jan03 jsp; 09jun03 ahv; 30may06jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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