Description
A member of the birch family, the speckled alder is a small tree that is multi-stemmed. It is a great choice for planting under a power line as it does not grow very large. It has a rounded, broad and irregular crown shape. The leaves are egg shaped, with toothed edges and a hairy underside. The tops of the leaves are a nice dark green and lighter underneath.
Growing well in moist, well-drained soils it can even tolerate some flooding. It is native to Canada and the northeastern United states. In the early spring it flowers, but the flowers are not notable. Birds and small mammals use the speckled alder for cover, it is also used for browsing.
