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Alder
Alder botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Alder

Alnus spp.

Honeybees forage on red alder primarily for its abundant pollen from male catkins in early spring, aiding colony buildup after winter; peak bloom occurs February to April depending on location; it thrives in moist soils and fixes nitrogen but can be susceptible to pests like alder aphids.

Nectarlow
Pollenhigh
BloomFebruary–April
Zones4-8
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
NativeWestern North America
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