Alnus serrulata (hazel alder)

Hazel alder, also known as smooth alder, is a deciduous, thicket-forming, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that grows to 10–20 feet tall. It tolerates moist and clay soils and prefers full sun to part shade. A great addition around streambanks and pond edges. The hazel alder is a nitrogen-fixer and therefore tends to tolerate poor soil. 

Smooth alder is common along streams and on flood plains throughout Maryland. Cones mature in the fall and remain in the winter, providing a winter food source for birds. This species also serves as a host plant to several butterflies and moths and leaf beatles. 

Photo by Kathy Thornton

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

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