Red Alder

Red Alder - Alnus rubra (Betulaceae)
A deciduous, angiosperm native to western North America, from southeast Alaska to central coastal California. Red alder is the world's largest species of alder, reaching heights of 20-35 m. The name derives from the bright rusty red color that develops in bruised or scraped bark. Red alder roots are host to the nitrogen fixing actinomycete Frankia. This association allows the tree

to grow in nitrogen-poor soils, even old road beds. In disturbed moist forest areas, red alder can rapidly form a dense cover. A russet dye can be made from a decoction of the bark and was used by First Nations people to dye fishing nets so as to make them less visible underwater. Red alder can be recognized by its leaves which have coarse, blunt teeth and margins rolled under. The fruits are conelets.