Alnus oblongifolia
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Alnus oblongifolia

Arizona alder · New Mexican alder · Mexican alder · Oblong leaf alder

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 5–8
Click count
2
Observations
1

Description

Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Alnus oblongifolia is a large alder growing up to 72 feet (22 m), from the southwestern United States and northern Sonora, Mexico. It grows across Arizona into western New Mexico mountain ranges. In central Arizona its range extends across the transition zone to the White Mountains region of eastern Arizona–western New Mexico border.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

The Arizona alder comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which provide ample light. It thrives in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

The Arizona alder is highly adaptable to a variety of climate conditions, from searing summers to frosty winters. Still, it requires a certain temperature range for optimal growth. When temperatures become excessively high, the tree can experience heat and humidity stress, which may lead to its death. In locations where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, insulating the plant is important to protect it.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

To encourage healthy growth, apply fertilizer to your Arizona alder in early spring. Consistent feeding improves overall vigor, promoting strong growth, better tolerance of adverse conditions, and increased resistance to diseases and pests. Keep to a defined fertilization routine for your Arizona alder to preserve rich-colored, lively foliage and a full, lush look.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The Arizona alder is known for its smooth gray bark and oval leaves. To maintain its health and appearance, strategic pruning techniques like thinning and shaping are beneficial. The ideal time for pruning is early spring, as this enhances air circulation and light penetration, promoting overall plant health. Always ensure your tools are clean and sharp to prevent the spread of disease.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Alnus
Family
Betulaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-8
Mature Height
10.97 m to 21.95 m
Mature Spread
6.1 m to 10.06 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, Green
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Late winter, Early spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Mexico

Tags (6)

Common Names (4)

en Arizona alder
en New Mexican alder
en Mexican alder
en Oblong leaf alder