Quick answer: Smooth alder (Alnus serrulata) is native to 23 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Amy Buthod, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory 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, Moist, Wet, flood-tolerant |
| Soil | Wet, fine sandy loams, peats & mucks, circumneutral pH |
| Bloom | Mar-Apr |
| Height | 12-20 ft |
| Wildlife value | Intermediate food source for wildlife, attracts birds |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 15 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Smooth alder
Where is Smooth alder native?
Smooth alder (Alnus serrulata) is native to 23 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Smooth alder bloom?
Smooth alder blooms Mar-Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Smooth alder need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: High, Moist, Wet, flood-tolerant. Soil: Wet, fine sandy loams, peats & mucks, circumneutral pH. Mature height: 12-20 ft.
Is Smooth alder good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Intermediate food source for wildlife, attracts birds.
Is Smooth alder deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Smooth alder is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy Smooth alder?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 15 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Alnus serrulata by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Smooth alder.
- Sensitive fern Onoclea sensibilis
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- Swamp rose Rosa palustris
- Highbush blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.