Hazel Alder Live Stakes - Alnus serrulata
Hazel alder live stakes can be categorized as a large bush or petite tree. The hazel alder features exceptionally smooth, dark bark and is a thicket-forming shrub. It grows multiple stems from its base to produce thick, yet petite, foliage. With its oval shape, the tree's leaves have obvious veins, a smooth top and hairy underside. Leaves near the top of the tree tend to be darker green while the ones lower are lighter in color. The hazel alder blooms between March and April, with its female red catkins about two inches long and male green catkins measuring half an inch. Small, brown, pine-cone shaped fruit ripens in the autumn or early winter. With hard, winged scales, these cones produce unwinged seeds. The hazel alder is found naturally in the eastern part of the country, growing near wetland areas as well as along the borders of lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. They can be found along the Mississippi River. Although this tree prefers moist soil, it is also drought-tolerant. A beautiful addition to any landscape, this rounded tree should be spaced about five to 10 feet from other trees and is easily pruned. The hazel alder can be used to stabilize the soil as well as provide light shading in any landscape.