Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa
Siberian alder, Siberian Alder
Photo: parent species Alnus viridis · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Betulaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa (Siberian alder) is a native California shrub / tree in the Betulaceae family, recognized by short shrub habit and heavily resinous leaves.
Siberian alder is a native shrub found in northern California coastal regions along rocky to sandy coasts, streamsides, and damp open areas at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering in spring, this plant produces small, clustered flowers in delicate catkins. Growing to less than 3 meters tall, it forms dense, multi-stemmed thickets with spreading branches. Its leaves are broad and ovate with rounded to heart-shaped bases, featuring densely serrated edges and a glossy dark green surface that stands out in coastal landscapes. The shrub's distinctive foliage is particularly characterized by its firm leaf texture and moderately resinous undersides.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by short shrub habit and heavily resinous leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky to sandy coasts, streamsides, damp open areas
Elevation: < 500 m
Outside California: to Alaska, western Canada, northern Asia
Bloom period
Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa blooms Spring.
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 subsp. fruticosa native to California?
Yes. Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa bloom?
Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa blooms Spring.
What plant family does Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa belong to?
Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa is in the Betulaceae family, genus Alnus.
What habitat does Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa grow in?
Alnus viridis subsp. fruticosa grows in Rocky to sandy coasts, streamsides, damp open areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.