Plant Details

Alnus rubra

Red alder

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Alnus rubra.

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General Information

Scientific name: Alnus rubra
Also known as: Red alder

Plant Properties

Layer: Tree
Size: Large
Height: 20.00 m
Width: 10.00 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 7-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist, Wet
Soil:
Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Inner bark, Sap
Edibility:
(2)
Medicinal:
(2)
Features:
Nitrogen fixer, Pioneer species, Charcoal, Dye, Hedge, Windbreak, Wood

Description

This plant is a pioneer and fixes nitrogen. The catkins can be eaten raw or cooked; they are high in protein but have a bitter taste. The bark must be boiled and dried to avoid the emetic effect. Often, the bark is dried and ground into powder that can be used as a thickening agent in soups or mixed with grain for bread. The sap of this plant is harvested raw in late winter on a warm, sunny day followed by a freezing cold night for the best flow. It has a sweet taste and was often used in the past to sweeten other foods. No specific details are provided about the buds, so it is unclear whether they refer to flower buds or leaf buds.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/09
End of Harvest: 31/10

Crown Data

Crown Type: Broad pyramidal
Crown Density: Dense crown