Common Name
Hazel alder
Smooth alder
Plant Form
Shrubs & Small Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
15.0
Width (ft)
8.0 -
15.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5,
6,
7,
8,
9
Additional Info
Habitat: Alluvial and tidal swamps, bogs, fens, stream margins, and various disturbed and successional wetlands. Frequent to locally common throughout Virginia.
Wildlife Value: This plant supports Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius) larvae. Harvester butterfly and carnivorous larvae eat the aphids commonly found on alder. White-tailed deer browse the foliage. Birds and small mammals eat the pollen-rich male flower clusters in the spring.
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
Flower Color
Brown/Copper
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Spring
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Butterfiles
Commercially available
Yes
Nurseries that may carry live plant
Carries Seeds (may not be available)
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