For this Tree, Bacteria in the Roots is the Great!

In this video, part of the Tree Talks with Theo Hoss series, we delve into the wonders of the Red Alder tree. Red Alders are fast growing deciduous trees which, in Washington, are found most often in sunny places recently disturbed by floods, fires, landslides, or human activities like clearcutting. Due to their fast growth, the wood is fairly weak and has limited use as timber. However, the Red Alder’s significant value comes mainly from its ability to provide food, medicine, and critical soil nutrients.

In addition to identification tips and fun facts about alders, Raven’s Roots Instructor Theodore Hoss will dive into how this tree is an essential part of the nitrogen cycle here in Washington State, and how it works together with other organisms to rebuild soils and whole forest ecosystems. Each fall, this tree drops its nitrogen-rich leaves, the perfect fertilizing mulch for your home garden! Learn more about how the tree gets ahold of this key nutrient in the attached video, and learn more about the medicinal and utilitarian uses of this tree by checking out our courses!