How much sun does Sitka alder need?

Sitka alder grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Sitka alder bloom?

Sitka alder blooms in April and May.

Where is Sitka alder native?

Sitka alder (Alnus sinuata) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Sitka alder

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Alnus sinuata

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Sitka alder (Alnus sinuata) 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

full sun

Water

high

Size

120"–360" H × 96"–240" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees

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

Puget Lowland Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts

Fast-growing, multi-stemmed shrub with rounded toothed leaves and drooping catkins in spring, forming dense thickets along streambanks, avalanche chutes, and other disturbed moist sites at higher elevations.

Wildlife value

Nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil for other plants, and dense thickets provide cover and nesting habitat for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Sitka alder need?: Sitka alder grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Sitka alder bloom?: Sitka alder blooms in April and May.
Where is Sitka alder native?: Sitka alder (Alnus sinuata) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Sitka alder attract?: Sitka alder draws bees.

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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