How much sun does Green Alder need?

Green Alder grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Green Alder bloom?

Green Alder blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Green Alder native?

Green Alder (Alnus alnobetula) is native to CA, CO, ID, MA and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Green Alder attract?

Green Alder draws bees and beetles.

Is Green Alder HOA-friendly?

Green Alder takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Green Alder

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Alnus alnobetula

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Green Alder (Alnus alnobetula) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

36"–120" H × 36"–120" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MA and 14 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Green alder is a medium to large deciduous shrub that forms dense colonies through underground runners. It produces drooping catkins in spring and has serrated oval leaves that turn yellow in fall. This hardy native thrives in cooler, moister areas and can handle partial shade conditions well.

In an HOA neighborhood

Green Alder takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Spreads aggressively through suckers
Can look unkempt and wild
May become too large for controlled landscapes

Wildlife value

The spring catkins provide early nectar for bees and beetles when few other food sources are available. Dense branching offers excellent nesting sites and cover for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Green Alder need?: Green Alder grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Green Alder bloom?: Green Alder blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Green Alder native?: Green Alder (Alnus alnobetula) is native to CA, CO, ID, MA and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Green Alder attract?: Green Alder draws bees and beetles.
Is Green Alder HOA-friendly?: Green Alder takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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