Alnus noveboracensis Britton

Scientific Name: Alnus noveboracensis Britton


Classification: Plantae/ Tracheobionta / Spermatophyta / Magnoliophyta / Magnoliopsida / Hamamelididae / Fagales / Betulaceae / Alnus Mill./ Alnus noveboracensis Britton

<i>Alnus noveboracensis</i> Britton
General Information
Usda SymbolALNO
GroupDicot
Life CyclePerennial
Growth HabitsShrubTree,
Native LocationsALNO

Plant Guide

Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Alnus noveboracensis Britton.

Fact Sheet

Alternate Names

hazel alder , Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Alnus noveboracensis Britton.

Uses

Smooth alder is used predominantly for streambank stabilization and wetland restoration. It is also a critical cover component of woodcock habitat.

Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

Description

Smooth alder is a nitrogen-fixing, thicket-forming shrub or small tree with dark, green foliage. It is a U.S. native. It is suitable for streambank stabilization because of its flexible stems and fibrous root system. A mature height of 8-12 feet may be reached in 10 years. Seed is produced in small cones with pollen contributed by birch-like catkins which bloom in mid-to late March. Compared to other alder species, smooth alder is more densely branched and produces more seed. Alders produce nitrogen for themselves by the activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria located in root nodules. For this reason, it is not recommended for planting in areas where additional nitrogen might add to water quality problems. Smooth alder has about 400,000 seeds per pound.

Adaptation and Distribution

Distribution

Distribution

Smooth alder is native to the northeast. It occurs from southern Maine to northern Florida, west to southeastern Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois. It grows best in wet bottomlands and stream margins, however it will also grow in well-drained upland areas. It is moderately shade and acid tolerant, but is weak-wooded and susceptible to wind and ice damage. For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Website.

Establishment

For streambank stabilization, smooth alder is best established as a bare-root or containerized seedling planted two feet apart within rows with rows two feet apart. It may be incorporated into a soil bioengineering system by planting at the toe of the bank just above any toe stabilization measures such as rip-rap, coir (coconut) logs, or fascines. On non-erosive streambanks it may be planted in two rows to provide toe protection. If this alder is planted for wildlife habitat improvement or wetland mitigation, planting should be done at a 5-10 foot spacing to allow for crown development and to optimize seed production.

Plant Traits

Growth Requirements

Temperature, Minimum (°F)-23
Adapted to Coarse Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Fine Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Medium Textured SoilsYes
Anaerobic ToleranceHigh
CaCO3 ToleranceLow
Cold Stratification RequiredYes
Drought ToleranceLow
Fertility RequirementMedium
Fire ToleranceHigh
Frost Free Days, Minimum120
Hedge ToleranceNone
Moisture UseHigh
pH, Maximum7.0
pH, Minimum5.0
Planting Density per Acre, Maxim2700
Planting Density per Acre, Minim1200
Precipitation, Maximum60
Precipitation, Minimum32
Root Depth, Minimum (inches)24
Salinity ToleranceNone
Shade ToleranceIntolerant


Morphology/Physiology

BloatNone
ToxicityNone
Resprout AbilityNo
Shape and OrientationErect
Active Growth PeriodSpring and Summer
C:N RatioHigh
Coppice PotentialNo
Fall ConspicuousNo
Fire ResistantNo
Flower ConspicuousNo
Foliage ColorGreen
Foliage Porosity SummerDense
Foliage Porosity WinterPorous
Foliage TextureCoarse
Fruit/Seed ConspicuousNo
Nitrogen FixationMedium
Low Growing GrassNo
LifespanModerate
Leaf RetentionNo
Known AllelopathNo
Height, Mature (feet)30.0
Height at 20 Years, Maximum (fee12
Growth RateRapid
Growth FormMultiple Stem
Fruit/Seed ColorBrown


Reproduction

Vegetative Spread RateSlow
Small GrainNo
Seedling VigorLow
Seed Spread RateModerate
Seed per Pound400000
Fruit/Seed PersistenceNo
Propagated by TubersNo
Propagated by SprigsNo
Propagated by SodNo
Propagated by SeedYes
Propagated by CormNo
Propagated by CuttingsNo
Bloom PeriodSpring
Commercial AvailabilityRoutinely Available
Fruit/Seed AbundanceLow
Fruit/Seed Period BeginSummer
Fruit/Seed Period EndSummer
Propagated by Bare RootYes
Propagated by BulbNo
Propagated by ContainerYes


Suitability/Use

Veneer ProductNo
Pulpwood ProductNo
Protein PotentialLow
Post ProductNo
Palatable HumanNo
Palatable Graze AnimalLow
Palatable Browse AnimalMedium
Nursery Stock ProductNo
Naval Store ProductNo
Lumber ProductNo
Fuelwood ProductMedium
Fodder ProductNo
Christmas Tree ProductNo
Berry/Nut/Seed ProductNo

<i>Alnus noveboracensis</i> Britton

<i>Alnus noveboracensis</i> Britton

<i>Alnus noveboracensis</i> Britton

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