Hazel Alder
Alnus serrulata
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Eric Hunt
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Betulaceae
- Genus:
- Alnus
- Species:
- Alnus serrulata
- USDA Symbol:
- ALSE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Bucculatrix locuples, Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), elm spanworm moth (Ennomos subsignaria), Eurois astricta, Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Hickory Tussock Moth (Lophocampa caryae), Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), July highflyer (Hydriomena furcata), pawpaw sphinx (Dolba hyloeus), Phyllonorycter auronitens, red-banded leafroller (Acrobasis rubrifasciella), Smeared Dagger Moth (Acronicta oblinita), Spotted Apatelodes (Apatelodes torrefacta)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Frosted Dagger Moth (Acronicta hastulifera), Stigmella corylifoliella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, deer browse
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found along streams and wetlands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Fresh seed germinates better than stored seed. Sow on soil surface without covering.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Sow seed in nursery beds within one month of harvest as it does not maintain its germination in storage.
Establishment: Smooth alder is native to the eastern United States in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. It grows best in wet bottomlands and stream margins as well as in moist, well drained upland areas. It is moderately shade tolerant, but is weak-wooded and susceptible to wind and ice damage. It is not adapted to alkaline, saline, droughty, or extremely acid soils. Use of 'Panbowl' is recommended only in specific USDA Major Land Resource Areas where it was tested.
Source: npn.rngr.net