Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata)

Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata) is one of the first bloomers at the lake in the winter. This year, with the water level low, I’ve been able to get close to these plants and see how they flower and develop. These plants have male (catkins) and female flowers. I wanted to wait until the flowers seeded but this is going to take longer than I realized. I’m going to post their progress so far and finish the story later.

The male flowers, catkins. There are two female flowers at the top just to the right of center.

Catkins, up close

Female flowers (February 20th, 2010).

Catkins, three weeks later

Female flowers (February 27th, 2010)

Female flowers swelling (March 27th, 2010)

Leaf buds swelling (March 27th, 2010)

Leaves emerging (March 27th, 2010)

The Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata) is native to the eastern United States. They grow in wet areas. At Fort Yargo State Park, they grow along the shore of the lake. I haven’t seen them at our place although they may grow along the creek but be inaccessible.
Click on an image to view a larger image

Distribution map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Alnus serrulata (Hazel Alder)

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata)
- Missouri Plants: Alnus serrulata

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower