Alnus sp.
Alder, Alder
Family: Betulaceae · Type: Shrub · Variable; species dependent
Alnus sp. (Alder) is a non-native California shrub in the Betulaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Corylus: Alnus has tiny winged seeds from persistent woody cones; Corylus has large nuts in papery husks.; vs Populus: Alnus has woody persistent cone-like catkins; Populus has fluffy cottony seeds from capsules.; vs Quercus: Alnus has woody cone-like catkins and toothed leaves; Quercus has acorns in caps and lobed leaves.; vs Betula: Alnus has woody cones that persist after seeds drop; Betula catkins disintegrate completely, releasing papery scales with seeds.; vs Ulmus: Alnus has woody cone-like catkins; Ulmus has flat, round, papery winged fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alnus sp. native to California?
No. Alnus sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Alnus sp. belong to?
Alnus sp. is in the Betulaceae family, genus Alnus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.