Alnus serrulata (Smooth Alder)

Alnus serrulata, also known as smooth or hazel alder, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to much of the eastern half of the United States. Commonly growing in a suckering, multi-stem form, smooth alder can grow to anywhere between 10' and 20' tall and about 8-15' wide in an upright, mounded shape. Commonly found in low-lying woodlands and other damp areas, smooth alder is a champ at handling perpetually wet, mucky soils, and works great for erosion control plantings. Beyond its solution planting value, smooth alder is also known for its unique flowers and ornamental seed pods, with male plants producing long, graceful catkins, and small female flowers turning to attractive, small, pinecone-like structures in the late summer. These unique flowers are excellent for attracting generalist butterflies and birds that consume flowers and seeds, and interestingly, alders can attract a variety of aphids that are preyed upon by North America's only carnivorous butterfly! This unique butterfly is called the Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius) and though the thought of a predatory butterfly is sure to amuse, it is genuinely beautiful to spot in the wild!

Alnus serrulata grows best in full sun to partial shade and is typically found in the wild along streambanks either singly or in thickets. As it is hardy and versatile enough to handle a number of harsh locations and numerous soil types, Alnus serrulata is an excellent specimen plant, but also works great for wetland restoration or in naturalizing waterfront areas without getting too large. In the home garden, smooth alder will do best when given consistent watering, but easily handle wet, clay soils and hot summer heat.