Red Alders in Southern California

Would it be acceptable to plant red alders in southern California? I know white alders would be considered more of a native, but I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on red alders.</p>

Amy,&lt;i>Would it be acceptable to plant red alders in southern California?&lt;/i>

If by acceptable you mean would they live? The answer is a resounding, Maybe. Sunset says they grow up to zone 17. Most of our areas are zones 20 and above unless you are up in the mountains. Still, it is possible they could live or even thrive especially if close to the coast. Interestingly they will take brackish water and very saline conditions. Hmmmm. Its dislkiked in the Northwest because it is a favorite host of the tent caterpillar. At any rate I would try asking some really good retail nurseries what they think before going to any further trouble. I used to grow Itallian Alder, Alnus cordata with great success but they are no longer easily available. I know thats not much information, but if you learn more, let us know!

Best-Dan</p>

Thanks Dan. What about using these to restore riparian areas for revegetation projects? My thoughts are that they should not be planted in natural areas, but white alder should be planted.</p>

Amy:

I actually have several red alders growing in my dry stream in Escondido. After 5 years they are about 12 feet tall. This is as compared to a white alder nearby, planted at the same time, which is now pushing through 40 feet. They are small but pretty. DO NOT use them for restoration - they are not native to our riparian areas, and we don't want to introduce yet another alien species to our wetlands. Hope this helps.</p>