Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Betulaceae

Genus:

Alnus

Species:

Alnus oblongifolia

USDA Symbol:

ALOB2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

1200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

feb,mar,apr

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Fall Color:

yellow

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from root crown following fire or top-kill. Establishes well on disturbed riparian sites post-fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found along streams and riverbanks

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Light enhances germination. Seeds remain viable for short periods and should be sown fresh or stored cold and moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI