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Sitka alder

Scientific Name: Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata

Family: Betulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Sitka Alder

Learn about the Sitka Alder (Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata), a versatile plant native to North America.

Considerations for Pets

  • The freshly harvested inner bark is emetic.

Considerations for Children

  • Plants often have multiple stems and may form dense thickets.
  • Young leaves are gummy.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC. ssp. sinuata (Regel) A. Löve & D. Löve
  • Common Names: Sitka Alder, Slide Alder, Wavy-leaved Alder

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Alnus viridis sinuata (Regel) Löve & Löve
    • Alnus sinuata (Regel) Rydb.
    • Alnus crispa ssp. sinuata

Distribution and Habitat

  • Sitka Alder is distributed widely across cooler parts of North America, from Alaska south to northern California, extending east into much of Idaho.
  • It thrives in moderately fertile, moist to wet, well-drained soils and can tolerate full sun or partial sun.
  • It is often found in moist, open areas, sub-alpine zones, avalanche tracks, burned areas, and along streams and edges of wetlands.

Ecological Role

  • Sitka Alder is an early successional species, acting as a pioneer in disturbed areas such as those following landslides, logging, and glacial retreat in Alaska.
  • It is adapted to soils too barren for other species, due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities.
  • It is used in afforestation because of its ability to fix nitrogen, which improves soil fertility.
  • It is also recognized for its role in maintaining forest productivity and providing wildlife food and habitat.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a deciduous shrub or small tree, often with multiple stems, forming dense thickets.
  • The typical height reaches up to 30 ft (9 m) with a diameter of 8 in (20 cm).
  • Young bark is reddish-brown, maturing to a greyish-white bark that shines in the winter sun.
  • Leaves are shiny yellow-green and gummy when young, with double saw-toothed edges.

Quirky Facts

  • The greyish-white bark shines wonderfully in the winter sun.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Sitka Alder is known to fix nitrogen in the soil.
  • It provides bird habitat.

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Provides help and information on Alnus sinuata.
  • USDA NRCS Plant Database