Alnus rugosa
A smaller tree/shrub that is versatile and can withstand cold weather climates. Deer resistant and has a moderately fast growth rate. Can identify from other alders or similar species as it has pores or speckles on its branches. This alder has nitrogen fixing properties and is know to help poplars and ash species nearby to grow quickly. The alder itself is a fast growing species.
Height : 15-25 feet
Speckled Alder
Spread : 10-25 feet
Light : Full sun to part shade
Water : Medium to wet
Soil : Sand, loam
Zone : 2-6
Leaves : Leathery, medium green with wrinkled surfaces. Similar appearance to paper birch leaves.
Stem : Bark is reddish grey with white lenticels dotted frequently giving it the “speckled” appearance
Flower : Flowers are monoecious. Male catkins are purplish-brown with yellow pollen. Female flowers are green and are clustered on stalks
Fruit : Catkins that mature in the fall. Female catkins turn into small “cones”
Habit : Course shrub or small tree