SafePlants

Alnus maritima: Seaside Alder

Alnus maritima, commonly known as Seaside Alder, is a fascinating and somewhat rare tree species belonging to the Betulaceae (birch) family.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the bark of alders is used in tanning and dyeing. While this doesn't directly imply toxicity, it suggests the presence of substances that may warrant consideration, especially if pets are prone to chewing on bark.
• The tree produces conelike fruits, which could present a choking hazard if ingested by small animals.
• The plant has toothed leaves. The sharpness is unknown.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the bark of alders is used in tanning and dyeing. While this doesn't directly imply toxicity, it suggests the presence of substances that may warrant consideration if children ingest it.
• The tree produces conelike fruits, which could present a choking hazard if ingested by small children.
• The plant has toothed leaves. The sharpness is unknown.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Alnus maritima (Marshall) Muhlenberg ex Nuttall ssp. georgiensis Schrader. & Graves.
• Family: Betulaceae
• Common Names: Seaside Alder
• Synonyms: Alnus maritima species
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (e.g., Alnus maritima subsp.)

Distribution and Habitat

• Alnus maritima is endemic to the United States.
• It exhibits a disjunct distribution, with three widely separated populations found in:
  • Maryland (Delmarva Peninsula)
  • Georgia
  • Oklahoma
• The current distribution is believed to be remnants of a more widespread Pleistocene distribution.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Alnus maritima is a deciduous tree.
• It can grow up to 9 meters (approximately 29.5 feet) tall.
• It is considered a medium-growth-rate tree.
• Flowering occurs from September to October, with seeds ripening afterward.
• The bark is thin, smooth, and light brown.
• Twigs are greyish.

Ecological Role

• It is a native species in North America.
• Seaside alder is a fast-growing native tree that stays short enough to be used under utility lines.

Genetic Information

• Research has focused on the development and characterization of microsatellite loci in Alnus maritima. Nineteen polymorphic microsatellite loci have been isolated and characterized.

Quirky Facts

• Despite its discovery in Oklahoma over 100 years ago, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of its growth patterns and specific habitat requirements.
• There is a named cultivar of Alnus maritima known as 'September Sun'.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Alnus maritima.
• Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Alnus maritima.
• ResearchGate features publications on Alnus maritima, including studies on microsatellite loci.