White Alder

Alnus rhombifolia

Physical Characteristics

Alnus rhombifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in March, and the seeds ripen from October to January. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Inner bark Edible Uses: Catkins - raw or cooked. A bitter flavour[172]. Inner bark[257]. No more information is given, but inner bark is often dried and can be used as a flavouring in soups or can be mixed with cereal flours when making bread etc[K].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Birthing aid Diaphoretic Emetic Haemostatic Skin Stomachic TB Tonic The bark is astringent, diaphoretic, emetic, haemostatic, stomachic and tonic[172, 257]. A decoction of the dried bark is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, haemorrhages in consumption, stomach aches and to facilitate child birth[257]. Externally it can be used as a wash for babies with skin diseases, nappy rash etc[257]. A poultice of the wood is applied to burns[257].

Known Hazards

The freshly harvested inner bark is emetic but is alright once it has been dried[172].