Alnus viridis
Green alder
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Family: Betulaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Alnus viridis (Green alder) is a native California shrub / tree in the Betulaceae family, recognized by limited habitat and morphological data available.
Green alder is a native shrub found in western mountain ranges of California in mixed conifer and subalpine forest habitats. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces small catkin-like flowers in subtle greenish-yellow clusters that emerge with or before its leaves. Growing with multiple trunks up to 8 meters tall, the shrub develops a spreading, multi-stemmed form with smooth gray bark. Its leaves are distinctively ovate with tapered or heart-shaped bases, ranging from narrow to broad, displaying a yellow-green to dark green color with sparse hairs especially along the leaf veins. The shrub is moderately to heavily resinous, giving its foliage a distinctive glossy appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; limited habitat and morphological data available
Habitat and range
California counties: Del Norte, Humboldt
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 viridis native to California?
Yes. Alnus viridis is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Alnus viridis grow?
Alnus viridis occurs in Del Norte, Humboldt.
What plant family does Alnus viridis belong to?
Alnus viridis is in the Betulaceae family, genus Alnus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa — Siberian alder
- Alnus viridis subsp. sinuata — Thinleaf or sitka alder
- Alnus cordata — Italian alder
- Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia — Mountain alder
- Alnus rhombifolia — White alder
- Alnus rubra — Red alder
- Betula glandulosa — Dwarf resin birch
- Betula occidentalis — Water birch
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.