Alnus praecordata, commonly known as Red Alder, is a deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, particularly found along streams, rivers, and wet sites in coastal forests. It typically grows rapidly to a height of 20-60 feet (6-18 meters) and can have a trunk diameter of up to 24 inches (60 cm). Red Alder has a narrow, conical form when young, becoming more rounded with age. The flowers are catkins, with male catkins being reddish and pendulous and female catkins being shorter and greenish. The tree is known for its ability to fix nitrogen, improving soil fertility.

Red Alder is valued for its fast growth and ability to thrive in disturbed sites, making it useful for reforestation and erosion control. Its ability to fix nitrogen benefits other plants growing nearby. The wood is soft and light, making it desirable for furniture and cabinetry. It is also used for restoration in riparian zones to stabilize streambanks. Red Alder prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types from sandy to clay. It is adaptable to both full sun and part shade conditions. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0