Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Mountain Alder (Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia) is a native tree or shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It is fast growing and moderately long-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 20 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer. Flowers are purple and bloom in the early spring. Leaves are dark green and deciduous. It tends to grow in wet places, at elevations from 4500-8000 feet.

Plant type

Tree

Size

20 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Purple

Flowering season

Spring

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Sunset Zones

1*, 2*, 3*, 7*, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

Site type

Wet places

Plant communities

Red Fir Forest, Yellow Pine Forest, Wetland-Riparian

Bats
Birds
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 123 likely

Confirmed Likely

Acerra normalis

Fingered Dagger Moth

Acronicta dactylina

Funerary Dagger Moth

Acronicta funeralis

Triton Dagger Moth

Acronicta grisea