Description

**Online orders are available for local pickup only, starting May 9th. When placing your order, you will select a pickup day that works best for you, and your plants will be available to pickup by 10am that day. Please select a date that is at least 1 day after your order date to give us time to put your order together. Pickup is at our retail location in Lake Ann, Michigan. Please contact us with any questions!

**This Tree is NATIVE to Northern Michigan

Growing Requirements:

  • Flourishes in moist to wet, well-drained soil
  • Prefers full sun to partial shade
  • Tolerant of various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils
  • Thrives in wetland habitats, including stream banks, marshes, and swamps
  • Hardy in USDA zones 3-7

Features:

Speckled Alder (Alnus incana) is a handsome deciduous shrub renowned for its distinctive speckled bark and attractive foliage. Its adaptability to wetland habitats makes it an essential component of riparian zones, providing habitat, stabilizing soil, and enhancing the ecological integrity of wetland ecosystems. This native plant not only contributes to the natural beauty of the landscape but also supports a variety of wildlife species.

Mature Size and Form:

In optimal conditions, Speckled Alder can reach a height of 10 to 20 feet with a spread of 6 to 12 feet. Its multi-stemmed growth habit and dense foliage create a dense thicket, offering cover, nesting sites, and food sources for birds, insects, and small mammals in wetland habitats.

Benefits to the Local Ecosystem:

Speckled Alder offers several ecological benefits, enriching the local ecosystem and supporting biodiversity:

  • Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage and sturdy branches of Speckled Alder provide habitat and sustenance for birds, insects, and small mammals, contributing to habitat diversity and ecological balance in wetland habitats.
  • Soil Stabilization: The extensive root system of Speckled Alder helps stabilize soil along stream banks, marshes, and wetland edges, reducing erosion and sedimentation in water bodies.
  • Water Quality Improvement: Speckled Alder plays a crucial role in improving water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and filtering pollutants from runoff, enhancing the health and integrity of wetland ecosystems.
  • Visual Interest: With its distinctive speckled bark and lush foliage, Speckled Alder adds texture and interest to wetland landscapes, creating a naturalistic and visually appealing environment.
  • Low Maintenance: Once established, Speckled Alder is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and care. It's an excellent choice for landowners seeking to enhance the ecological value of their wetland properties.