American Green Alder

Alnus viridis

American Green Alder (Alnus viridis) is a tall, deciduous tree native to North America. It is a medium-sized tree reaching up from 20-35 feet in height with a fairly rounded crown. The bark is light brown to gray, with fissures and shallow ridges on the trunk. The leaves are medium-sized, simple and oval in shape, dark green with serrated margins. The male and female catkins form in early spring, both appearing on the same tree. The male catkins are long and yellowish, whereas the females are more spherical and reddish. The fruit is nut-like, with cones containing seeds. When mature, the cone takes on a pale yellow hue. This tree is commonly found in moist soils near rivers, streams, and wetlands.