Grey Alder
Alnus incana
Also listed as Betula incana
Also known as Gray Alder, Speckled Alder, Hoary Alder
Climate Match for your location
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A fast-growing deciduous tree with gray-green foliage and attractive catkins in spring, thriving in moist to wet soils. Valuable for wetland restoration and wildlife habitat, particularly in northern climates.
Why grow it
Grey alder establishes quickly in wet and marginal sites where many ornamental trees struggle, making it more practical than slower-growing alternatives for riparian buffers and constructed wetlands. It fixes nitrogen through its root nodules, reducing fertilizer needs in restoration projects. Compared to native black alder (Alnus glutinosa) in some regions, grey alder tolerates colder climates and slightly drier conditions while still performing well in saturated soils.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during establishment, particularly in drier years. The catkins and seeds can self-sow prolifically in suitable microsites, so monitor nearby areas if volunteer seedlings are undesirable. Like other alders, it has a relatively short lifespan (typically 40 to 60 years) and may require periodic replacement in long-term restoration plantings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Betulaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Europe, Asia, and North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fast-growing deciduous tree with gray-green foliage and attractive catkins in spring, thriving in moist to wet soils. Valuable for wetland restoration and wildlife habitat, particularly in northern climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Grey Alder grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Grey alder establishes quickly in wet and marginal sites where many ornamental trees struggle, making it more practical than slower-growing alternatives for riparian buffers and constructed wetlands. It fixes nitrogen through its root nodules, reducing fertilizer needs in restoration projects. Compared to native black alder (Alnus glutinosa) in some regions, grey alder tolerates colder climates and slightly drier conditions while still performing well in saturated soils.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during establishment, particularly in drier years. The catkins and seeds can self-sow prolifically in suitable microsites, so monitor nearby areas if volunteer seedlings are undesirable. Like other alders, it has a relatively short lifespan (typically 40 to 60 years) and may require periodic replacement in long-term restoration plantings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Betulaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Europe, Asia, and North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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