The leaves are a dull green , and are rusty-hairy underneath. The nutlets have narrow wings . Sitka or Green alder, Alnus viridis ssp. The nutlets are rather flattened, and have wide membranous wings . Thinleaf or Mountain alder, Alnus incana ssp.
Alder wood is soft and straight-grained, and used for carving feast bowls, masks, rattles, etc.
The natives used the springy limbs for snares and traps. Dewladen leaves placed on the floor are said to attract fleas, which may then be disposed of by carrying them out on the branches.