Species #10: Sitka Alder
Sitka Alder
Alnus viridis sinuata
Sitka Alder is fairly common around here. It is most commonly found growing along beach fringes, avalanche tracks and other disturbed locations. Its growth is typically shrubby, with multiple smaller growths rather than a central large trunk. Its leaves also are double toothed, unlike its close relative, Red Alder. I had never before noticed the structures that I am guessing are flowers. I’m thinking the catkins are the male part, and perhaps these structures are the female flowers that will eventually develop into the cones (the photo with cones below shows cones still remaining from last year).
