Red Alder (Alnus rubra)

It is the most abundant broad-leaved tree in the coastal regions of the province and thrives in the mild, wet climate of the Pacific Northwest. They are incredibly common at low elevations along the Pacific coast, extending right through the Lower Mainland, up to the Central and North Coast, and reaching as far inland as the Fraser Valley.  Red alder is a vital forest pioneer. Its roots host a symbiotic bacteria that naturally pulls nitrogen from the air and fixes it into the soil. This enriches the dirt for other native BC plant species and helps resist laminated root rot.