Red Alder Tree

You might notice here a small alder tree (Alnus rubra) growing close to the trail. Alders are used in ecological restoration since their nitrogen-fixing bacteria improves soil quality. Their roots sometimes wrap around each other before plunging into the creek where aquatic life can thrive. The Ohlone used the tree’s catkins to make protein-rich cakes. They used alder bark to make medicine to treat headaches, stomach cramps, colds, congestion, mouth sores, and for pain relief. They also made dyes from red alder in shades of red, brown, orange, and yellow used for dying canoes, baskets, and other objects.