Description
Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia, known as thinleaf alder, is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree 20-40 feet tall, often forming dense thickets. The bark is thin, smooth and green-gray-brown. Foliage is dull green, rounded with serrated edges and sparsely hairy surfaces. Male and female catkins are purple and yellow and flower in early spring. The fruit are small wingless nutlets. While seedlings may not thrive in shady woodland conditions, it is still a useful “pioneer” tree, offering a fast rate of growth that allows for quicker establishment due to its nitrogen fixing root nodules. Its extensive root system allows for erosion control on banks and builds up humus content due to fall foliage. Used by First Nations people for its tannins to dye materials and as a fuel source. An excellent option for reestablishing woodland. This species is an important larval host for various species of butterfly. Photo credit Wikipedia
