Tag Alder (Speckled Alder, Gray Alder) – Alnus rugosa

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Family: Betulaceae (Birch)

Height: 15-25 feet

Flowers: male catkins, 1-2 inches long; female catkins, ¼ inches long, cylindrical, cone-like

Leaf: simple, alternate attachment, 2-5 inches long, double-toothed margin

Fruit: samaras (found inside female catkins)

Habitat: wet soils, water edges; shade tolerant but grows more robustly in forest openings

Edible?: No.

Uses: Known for it’s cone-like catkins, which are often used in artwork or jewelry.