Sitka Alder (Alnus sinuata)

Family: Betulaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Alnus sinuata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. It can fix Nitrogen.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Catkins - raw or cooked. A bitter flavour. — Catkins - raw or cooked.; A bitter flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist woods, stream banks, margins of ponds, to open but moist montane slopes at or near the timber line. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)