Sitka Alder

Alnus sinuata

Physical Characteristics

Alnus sinuata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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.

Distribution

Western N. America - Alaska to California - east to Idaho and Montana.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Edible Uses: Catkins - raw or cooked. A bitter flavour[172].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Emetic Haemostatic Stomachic Tonic The bark is astringent, emetic, haemostatic, stomachic and tonic[172].

Known Hazards

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