Description
Speckled Alder, or Gray Alder, a member of the birch family, are small and multi-stemmed. It is a great choice for planting under a power line as it does not grow very large.
It has a rounded, broad and irregular crown shape. The leaves are egg shaped, with toothed edges and a hairy underside. The tops of the leaves are a nice dark green and lighter underneath.
Growing well in moist, well-drained soils, speckled alder can even tolerate some flooding.
It is native to Canada and the northeastern United states. In the early spring it flowers, but the flowers are not notable. Birds and small mammals use the speckled alder for cover, it is also used for browsing.
Scientific Name: Alnus incana subsp. rugosa
Zone: 2-6
Mature Height: 15-25 ft
Mature Width: 15-25 ft
Growth Rate: 12-30″
Soil: Moist to wet
Sun Requirements: Sun, Part Shade
Fall Color: Brilliant Yellow
Wildlife Value: Rabbits, moose, white-tailed deer, and other mammals use for cover. Songbirds eat the seeds, catkins and buds. Beavers often use the stems to build their lodges. Deer, moose, muskrats, beavers and rabbits browse both the foliage and twigs.
