Research > Reference Library > Trees of Canada JOIN MAIL LIST: SEARCH: Discover GF Research Education Newsroom How to Help click image to enlarge Alder Red alderAlnus rubra Bong. Red alder is a fast-growing, short-lived, medium-sized (>20 m) tree. Nodules are formed on red alder roots due to the invasion of bacteria (genus Frankia) through the root hairs. The bacteria are able to remove nitrogen from the air and "fix" it so that plants may utilize it. The First Peoples used this tree for food, dyeing materials (red dye is found within the inner bark), smoking foods, and various medicinal attributes. Sitka alderAlnus sinuata (Reg.) Rydb. Sitka alder is often a shrub but in some cases it can attain a height of about 10 m. Its Latin name comes from its wavy or sinuous leaf margin. The First Peoples used Sitka alder as a dye, and for smoking fish and meats. Speckled alderAlnus rugosa (Du Roi) Spreng. Speckled alder is a small (<12 m) tree. It has smooth bark with conspicuous horizontal markings (lenticles). Speckled alder has a wide distribution throughout Canada. The First Peoples used it for a variety of medicinal purposes.
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