American Green Alder (Alnus viridis crispa)

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

Alnus viridis crispa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from April to May. 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. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Catkins - raw or cooked. A bitter taste. — Catkins - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky shores, slopes and mountains. Singly or in thickets along streams, lakeshores, coasts, and bog or muskeg margins, or on sandy or gravelly slopes or flats, from sea level to 2000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)