Question: Hello, I believe this is a species of alder. Would I be far off in thinking this is speckled alder …
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Question
Hello, I believe this is a species of alder. Would I be far off in thinking this is speckled alder (Alnus incana)? The bark seems to exhibit the white lenticels which is, I think, indicative of this species. Thanks!
Answer
Dear sldz22, you do appear to have Alnus incana subspecies rugosa, which is a native shrub that fixes atmospheric nitrogen (i.e., it enriches the soil). All the species of alder are native to New England except Alnus glutinosa, a species that can grow to the size of small trees. Best wishes.
