Alnus incana ssp. rugosa
hazel alder
 
The hazel (or gray) alder is a tree that you’d be happy to have around, whether in a natural setting or as part of a home landscape. This native tree has small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in early spring, though they’re often easy to miss. Instead, you'll probably notice the tree’s silvery, smooth bark and its ability to grow quickly. It’s a great choice for spots where the soil can be a bit less than ideal—think wet areas, along streams, or in somewhat boggy spots. The gray alder can thrive in full sun to partial shade, and it’s especially useful in areas that need some help with erosion control due to its fast growth and deep roots.
 
Their seeds attract birds like the American goldfinch and the purple finch, which snack on the small cones. But that’s not all. The alder’s leaves and twigs are a favorite for insects, including the alder flea beetle (Altica ambiens), which munches on the foliage. Certain moths, like the alder leaf miner (Phenacolepidius alderella), also lay their eggs on the tree, and the larvae provide an additional food source for local birds.
 
Gray alders are nitrogen fixers, which means they can actually help improve soil quality by adding nitrogen. So, if your garden is in need of a little enrichment, planting one of these could help make things a little greener down the road.