Alnus rubra Red Alder

Red Alder (Alnus rubra) is native to the Pacific Northwest from California to Alaska where it is often found in the luxuriant coastal forests of that region growing with Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis). It has distinctive grey bark, almost like Silver Birch (Betula pendula), relatively narrow, shallowly lobed leaves and is quite different from the other Alders found in Britain. It was introduced to Britain in the 19th Century but, surprisingly, it does not sustain healthy growth in the British climate and frquently suffers from dieback. It is sometimes planted in parks and other urban sites but it is not common in West Glamorgan and rarely regenerates from seed.

Neophyte