SafePlants

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the leaves are finely toothed (serrulate).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Alnus serrulata (Aiton) Willd.
• Common Names: Hazel Alder, Smooth Alder, Brookside Alder, Tag Alder, Common Alder, Black Alder, Red Alder, Green Alder, American Alder.
• Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)
• Synonyms: Betula serrulata Aiton, Alnus noveboracensis Britton, A. rubra Desfontaines ex Spach, A. rugosa (Du Roi), A. serrulata Willd., A. incana var. serrulata (Ait.)
• Symbol: ALSE2

Distribution and Habitat

Hazel alder is native to eastern North America and is particularly common in the southeastern United States. It thrives in moist lowlands, such as streamsides, wetlands, and the edges of lakes and ponds. It's also noted as being native to the coastal region of eastern North America, though considered a rarer species there.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Hazel alder is a thicket-forming shrub that can also grow into a small tree, typically reaching heights of 12-20 feet with a similar spread.
• It's a fast-growing, suckering shrub with multiple spreading trunks.
• The bark is blackish and lightly speckled with small, grayish to orange lenticels.
• Leaves are alternate, simple, obovate to elliptical, and finely toothed (serrulate) with straight veins.
• It features long, drooping yellow (male) catkins in the spring (March-April).
• Fruit appears in August.

Ecological Role and Uses

• Smooth alder is frequently used for streambank stabilization and wetland restoration due to its moisture-loving nature and tolerance of inundation (up to 3 inches of water).
• It serves as a critical cover component for wildlife.

Taxonomic Notes

It is important to note that Alnus serrulata was previously misidentified as A. rugosa in some earlier botanical works.

Further Information

For more information, you can explore the Encyclopedia of Life or Dave's Garden. WebMD provides patient medical information.