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Submit a photoSpeckled Alder
Alnus incana subsp. rugosa
A nitrogen-fixing shrub forming dense thickets along Alberta's streambanks, muskeg edges, and wet woods. Distinctive speckled grey bark (pale horizontal lenticels) and small woody cone-like catkins that persist through winter. Among the earliest to flower in spring. Root-fixes nitrogen via Frankia bacterial nodules — enriches poor wet soils.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Boreal & Parkland wetlands, Zone 2
Light
Full sun to part shade
Bloom Time
Mar–Apr (catkins)
Soil
Moist to wet; tolerates poor nutrition thanks to N-fixation
Water
High; riparian or wet ground preferred
Pet Safe— Generally considered safe around pets.
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Seed after 60–90 days cold stratification. Softwood cuttings in early summer under mist. Root sprouts and stump sprouts also work.
