Quick answer: Gray alder (Alnus incana) is native to 12 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist-Wet, tolerates flooding |
| Soil | Wet soils, watercourses and stream edges |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | 20-40 ft, up to 80 ft (western subspecies) |
| Wildlife value | Songbirds, waterbirds, and mammals frequently use this species |
Invasive / regulated
none noted formally; fast-growing, flood tolerant, can be thicket-forming
Buying it
Wild species
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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