About
Speckled alder is a fast growing Shrub to small tree often forming thickets. Three subspecies of Alnus incana span across the Northern Hemisphere and the subspecies rugosa is native to central and eastern Canada. The tree thrives in nutrient poor, sandy, rocky or mucky soil where adequate moisture is present. It dominates on riverbanks, swamps, bogs, and wetlands; tolerates continuous flooding but less so than willow. Speckled alder has a symbiotic relationship with soil actinomycetes that can fix nitrogen from the air, helping to enrich the soil around it.
The name 'speckled' comes from white, warty lenticels present on the bark. Leaves appear wrinkled, being sunken at the veins, hence the name rugosa. Leaf undersides are red and hairy; margins are doubly serrated. Purplish brown male catkins and green female catkins appear March to early April, followed by fruiting bodies resembling pine cones. The winged seeds embedded within them attract birds. This restorative, native tree has no serious insect or disease problems except canker, which can possibly be severe.
References
Fire Effects Information System (FEIS). (n.d.). Alnus incana. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/alninc/all.html
Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Alnus incana subsp. Rugosa. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277838&isprofile=0&
Natural resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Alnus incana (L.) Moench ssp. rugosa (Du Roi) R.T. speckled alder. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ALINR
Tree Canada. (n.d.). Speckled alder (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa). Retrieved from https://treecanada.ca/resources/trees-of-canada/speckled-alder-alnus-incana-ssp-rugosa/
Growing From Seed
Growing from seed is one of the most economical and satisfying ways to build a native plant garden. The table shows brief planting instructions, including how long and what kind of stratification this plant needs. For further information on stratification and seed preparation please refer to our article: Preparing To Grow Wild Plant Seeds
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| Seeding Instructions | Coming soon... |
Growing From Plants
Seedlings are a more economical option than established plants and an easier start than growing from seed. Our plants are shipped in soil blocks or plug trays. Plants do surprizingly well in the mail but need special care upon arrival. Please see Planting Mail Order Seedlings for information on how to plant and care for seedlings.
Shipping
We currently ship seeds to all Canadian provinces and ship plants just within the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Seeds ship year-round and usually take a few days (or longer if you are ordering from a distant province). It usually takes 2-5 business days in the mail for plant orders once shipped. Plants are generally available from May to September and can be reserved during off season; Shipping costs are calculated during checkout. Seed orders over $100 ship free! See Shipping for more details.