White Alder
Alnus rhombifolia
US NPS Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area [2]
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Betulaceae
- Genus:
- Alnus
- Species:
- Alnus rhombifolia
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- More than 40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- sep, oct, nov
- Bloom Colors:
- Green
Native Range
United States: California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cleahtrea nola moth (Nola clethrae), Large Red-belted Clearwing (Synanthedon culiciformis), Phyllonorycter incanella, Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, 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 rivers
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked in a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution for 24 hours, rinsed, and then soaked in water for an additional 24 hours. Seeds are then sown into trays filled with stabilized medium plugs and placed in refrigeration at 1 to 3 °C for 20 days. Trays are checked weekly for moisture and mold.
Establishment: The plant is native to western North America and prefers moist soils or areas near permanent water sources. It is tolerant of part shade, full sun, sand, and clay.
Source: npn.rngr.net