Family: Betulaceae
Author: (Aiton) Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 336 (1805)
Year: 1805
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Alnus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Hazel alder, scientifically known as Alnus serrulata, is a notable plant species belonging to the Betulaceae family. This species has its roots in the comprehensive botanical work “Species Plantarum,” and its fourth edition, page 336, published in 1805, where it was classified by (Aiton) Willd.
Hazel alder is indigenous to a range of territories spanning from Eastern Canada to Central and Eastern regions of the United States. This extensive geographical distribution showcases the plant’s adaptability and resilience in various climatic and environmental conditions across North America.
An essential characteristic of Hazel alder is its preference for moist, wetland soils, making it a common sight around riverbanks, lakesides, and marshy areas. It plays a vital ecological role in these habitats, contributing to soil stabilization and providing habitat for various wildlife species.
The plant is a deciduous shrub or small tree, often reaching heights of 3 to 5 meters. Its oval leaves have finely serrated edges, a distinguishing feature from which its scientific name ‘serrulata’ is derived. The leaves are also bright green and turn to a vibrant yellow during the fall, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
In the spring, Hazel alder produces catkins, which are elongated flower clusters characteristic of the Betulaceae family. These catkins are essential for the plant’s reproduction, facilitating wind pollination. Following pollination, small woody cones develop, containing seeds that disperse to propagate new plants.
Hazel alder is also of considerable importance to human activities. Historically, it has been used for various medicinal purposes by Indigenous peoples. Additionally, it is favored in restoration ecology projects due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, which enhances soil fertility and supports the growth of other plants in its vicinity.
In summary, Hazel alder (Alnus serrulata) is a versatile and ecologically significant plant species with a broad native range in North America. Its distinctive serrated leaves, vital ecological functions, and cultural significance underscore its importance both in natural habitats and human endeavors.
Common Names
Eng: brook-side alder, common alder, hazel alder, smooth alder, tag alder, brookside alder
Fra: aulne tendre, aulne blanc, aulne serrute, aulne serrulé
En: Hazel alder, Common alder, Smooth alder, Tag alder, Brookside Alder, Brook-side alder
Ar: نغت منشاري
Fr: Aulne blanc, Aulne serrute, Aulne tendre, Aulne serrulé
Is: Sagölur
Synonyms
- Alnus americana (K.Koch)
- Alnus oblongata ((Aiton) Willd.)
- Alnus incana var. serrulata ((Aiton) B.Boivin)
- Alnus noveboracensis (Britton)
- Alnus glutinosa var. oblongata ((Aiton) Pers.)
- Alnus latifolia (Desf.)
- Betula alnus var. serrulata ((Aiton) Michx.)
- Alnus serrulata var. vulgaris (Fernald)
- Betula serrulata (Aiton)
- Alnus serrulata var. obtusifolia ((Regel) Regel)
- Alnus autumnalis (Hartig ex Garcke)
- Alnus serrulata var. macrophylla (Spach)
- Alnus oblongata var. elliptica (Corrie)
- Alnus rugosa var. serrulata ((Aiton) H.J.P.Winkl.)
- Alnus serrulata f. noveboracensis ((Britton) Fernald)
- Alnus rugosa var. obtusifolia ((Regel) H.J.P.Winkl.)
- Alnus serrulata f. mollescens (Fernald)
- Alnus serrulata f. emarginata (Fernald)
- Alnus glutinosa var. serrulata ((Aiton) Regel)
- Alnus serrulata f. nanella (Fernald)
- Alnus glutinosa var. autumnalis (Kuntze)
- Alnus serrulata var. subelliptica (Fernald)
- Alnus macrophylla (Desf. ex Corrie)
- Betula oblongata (Aiton)
- Alnus rubra (Desf. ex Corrie)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Jan 15, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2021 by Diana Gilpatrick (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Andrew Tannenbaum (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 15, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 15, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 15, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2022 by malot w (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by Thierry Thierry Bessière (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Richard Wilkens (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Andrew Tannenbaum (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2022 by mainlymaren (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Jossie Rhinehart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 22, 2021 by Chris P (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Richard Wilkens (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2021 by Diana Gilpatrick (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2022 by mainlymaren (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:294991-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2876528)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alnus serrulata (Aiton) Willd.)