Stika Alder is a short-lived pioneer species shrub to small tree often forming thickets in disturbed areas. It naturally lives in moist areas by water, in clearings, or on mountain slopes. The leaves are shinny with a distinctive yellowish-brown to gray bark, often patched with lichen. root nodules containing beneficial bacterial make it nitrogen fixing and good for soil conditioning. The fragrant wood is very suitable for firewood and smoking salmon.
Botanical Name: Alnus viridis subsp. sinuata Other Names: Mountain Alder Family: BetulaceaeNative to: Eastern North America, Interior North America, Western North America Eco benefits: erosion control, attracts birds, valuable wood, medicinal, improves soil Natural habitat: swamps & bogs, barren or disturbed ground, waters edge, rocky slopes, forest edge Height: 10-15ft Tolerances: soil compaction Light: full sun, partial shade, full shade Soil: tolerates wet feet
