Alnus rubra
Red alder
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Alnus rubra.
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist, Wet
Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Partial shade, Full sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Inner bark, Sap
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.