Red Alder is the dominant native hardwood of the Pacific Coast, colonizing disturbed and wet areas from Alaska to California. It is a vigorous nitrogen-fixer that enriches soils and accelerates forest succession after disturbance. Its wood is used for furniture and smoking salmon, and the bark was used medicinally and as a dye by Pacific Northwest peoples.
Habitat
Moist floodplains, stream banks, and disturbed areas of the Pacific Coast
Diet
Catkins and seeds for siskins and redpolls; root nodules fertilize forest community
How common
Common
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