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White Alder

Alnus rhombifolia

White alder is a fast riparian tree of western foothill streams, marking permanent water with its pale bark and glossy leaves. A nitrogen-fixing pioneer that shades and cools trout streams.

Family
Betulaceae
Type
tree
Lifespan
perennial
Height
30–80 ft
Spacing
20–40 ft apart
Light
sun
Soil moisture
wet, moist
Soil pH
neutral, acidic
Bloom
January, February
Bloom colors
yellow, brown, green
Wildlife value
songbirds, larval host, pollinators
Caterpillar hosts
~255 butterfly & moth species
Landscape uses
specimen, rain garden
Native states
CA, ID, OR, WA