Species: Alnus viridis subspecies sinuata
Common name and alpha code Sitka alder ALVIS (was Alnus sitchensis, A. sinuata)
Propagation Method (Seed, Vegetative)  

Seed 51
Miscellaneous

 

 Betulaceae; birch family

Used by Native Americans as an astringent and tonic, vegetable coloring, basketry and cordage 160

Occupies sites subject to deep snow accumulation and extensive snow creep, consequently, individuals 3-5m tall have strongly bowed stems. 219
TABLE: SEED
Seeds/Lb.  
Germ %  
Germ Test Amt  
Germ Test Cost  
Purity % Quality of alder seed usually low because of difficulty in separating out empty seeds. Soundness in most lots of cleaned seed has been 30-70%.129
Purity Test Amt  
Purity Test Cost  
Germination Pretreatment

Requirement

 

 

 No treatment or chilling required. 187

If the seeds of some alders are dried to a moisture content of 8-9% they become dormant. This dormancy can be broken by cool-moist stratification at 41o for 180 days. 145 Germination capacity of some species of dried seed after stratification was higher than that of fresh seed. Maximum germination capacity was obtained only when the stratification period was followed by a 3-day period at –4oF. 129

Cold moist stratification of 1-3 months at 3oC. Dusting with a fungicide will help prevent mold but can reduce final germination percentage. 98
Seed Processing Needed e.g. Awns  
Storage Requirements Air-dried seeds have been stored in sealed containers at 34o-38oF. Viability was maintained for 2 years in A. glutinosa seeds and for 10 years in A. rugosa. 129
Storage Length (Years)  
Maturity Date Plants begin producing seed at 4-7 years of age. Seed dispersed during the fall. 98
Pollinators  
Seed Dispersal Mechanism Wind, water 187
Breeding: self; Cross; Asexual Reproduction  
Disease Problems  
Insect Predation  
Hand Collection Methods, Problems and Cost/Lb. Catkins may be collected when bracts start to separate on the earliest catkin. They will open after drying in a well-ventilated room for several weeks at ambient air temperature. They can be opened in a shorter time by drying in a kiln at 80o-100oF. Most of the seeds fall out during drying. The remainder may be extracted by shaking or tumbling. 129
TABLE: SEED INCREASE INFO
Sow Rate for Seed Increase Plantation, Lb./Acre  
1st Year Yield, Lb./acre  
2nd Year Yield, Lb./acre  
Field Life Span: Years  
Production Cost/Lb.  
Field Distance Requirements  
Sow Date  
Miscellaneous Increase Info.  
TABLE: VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION
Type of Material (Age, Plant Part,

Etc.)

 Stem cuttings generally not very successful. 98
Size of Material to Collect  
Season of Collection  
Collection Method  
To Nursery: Storage and Shipping Requirements  
Miscellaneous Vegetative Propagation Info.

 

 Sprouts basally. Sprout growth moderate. Can establish rapidly after a fire via sprouting from root crowns and seeds. Several studies indicate that frequency and cover are increased after repeated burning. 187

The absence of bottom heat may explain our failure to successfully root hardwood cuttings of Sitka alder as reported by Carpenter et al. In 1984. 200
TABLE: NURSERY PRODUCTION (See also J. H. Stone Nursery Desk Guide, reference # 185)
Nursery Stock Type; Container Size  

Bareroot or container 51
Cost/1,000  
Number of Growing Seasons  

1 year ship 185
Grow Specifications Height range: 4 to 20 inches; minimum caliper: 3 mm 185
Miscellaneous Nursery Production Info. Plants grow best in mineral soil with regular water and full sunlight. 98

Moist mineral soil seedbed preferred 187
TABLE: HABITAT
Plant Association Groups

 

 Indicates early seral stages of subalpine fir series plant associations and wetter, cooler grand fir series plant associations. Habitat: Seepages beneath grand fir communities; common throughout subalpine fir communities defining cool, moist environments. Also prevalent at lower montane elevations as a riparian zone species 160

Often occurs where landslides have created openings 152

Along streams, rivers, swamps, marshy flats. Southern Alaska to northern California and into northern Idaho and Montana. 98

The most cold resistant of the northwestern alders; often found in subalpine talus slopes and seepage areas. 198 Prefers very moist valleys. Often a pioneer species in mid-high elevation, poorly-drained sites. 213134
Drought Tolerance Needs sub-irrigation 160 Alders need permanently moist gravel to thrive. 122
Soil: Texture, Chemicals Nitrogen-fixing 160

Rocky or gravelly soils 98 Can grow on infertile soils. 201
Soil Depth  
Ave. Precip. Needs  
Flooding or High Water Tolerance  
Soil Stabilization

 

 Soil fertility improved through nitrogen fixation 129

Prevents soil erosion. One of the first trees present after disturbances. 98 Grows in disturbed areas where few other shrubs can establish. 212 Stabilizes snowslides, roadcuts, and other disturbed sites. 208
Palatability and Attractiveness to Animals; Response to Grazing Low to moderate palatability to wildlife and domestic stock 160 Relatively low browse value for ungulates but major food for snowshoe hares, squirrels and birds 187 Browsed by deer, elk, and moose; seeds eaten by small birds. 201
Elevation Range

 

 Lower montane riparian to subalpine 160

Sea level to 1200 m 98 Can grow at a wide range of elevations. 201 Above 3000 ft in the U.S. Northwest 208
Competitiveness May indicate potential reforestation difficulty due to moisture table and coldness of site 160.
Plasticity  
Root System: Rhizomes, Stolons, etc. Shallow root system 152 Spreads by rhizomes 201
Shade tolerance Generally, alders prefer full sunlight. 201
TABLE: CONSERVATION SOWING OR PLANTING ON N.F. SITES
Sow Rate for  Sowing on National Forest Sites, Lb./Acre  
Sowing Method and Date  
Planting Density, Spacing  
Planting Method and Date  
Animal Damage Control in Plantings  
Miscellaneous Occupies sites subject to deep snow accumulation and extensive snow creep, consequently, individuals 3-5m tall have strongly bowed stems. 219

 

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