Sitka Alder

You encounter Sitka Alder in moist woodlands and stream banks throughout the Puget Sound region, recognized by its sinuate leaves and fast growth habit. This alder marks riparian zones where moisture is reliable and disturbance is periodic, from sea level to montane elevations.

Sitka Alder demands sun to part shade and high water needs, reaching maturity at moderate speed in moist to wet, well-drained soils across a wide pH range (4.5-8.5). Hardy to zones 2a-9b, it serves well for stream restoration and wet site planting. The species tolerates heavy clay soils and waterlogging. Monitor for the same suite of alder diseases (rust, drippy dieback, catkin hypertrophy) and insects documented across the region.