Origin: North America. Habitat: as most alders, the red alder appreciates the river banks and, as the species pioneers, it accepts the poor soils. Rate of Growth: fast. Height: 12-25 m tall.
Light grey bark, bearing lines of lenticels (mouths allowing the bark to breathe).
Deciduous foliage. Leaves lanceolate (resembling those of white Alder, but broader, with darker green underside). They have 10 - 15 pairs of ribs. Fruits small cones (smaller than on other alders). Uses: in forestry. Considering its character pioneer and its quick growth, the Red Alder is planted to shelter the young plants and to prepare reforestation. Furthermore it enriches the nitrogen soils.
