Alder leaves, top view, as seen in summer

I often find myself smiling lately, especially on the afternoons when I lead guided plant identification hikes of the forest for individuals. I’ve been working for myself full time since the winter and between writing, teaching, and speaking, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

The tree that’s most captured my attention on these guided hikes lately is red alder, Alnus rubra. Alder bark, leaves, and cones are medicinal. Alder has multiple uses, all highly valuable.

It’s detoxifying, both as a blood purifier and a lymphatic cleanser. It’s also astringent and good for supporting absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, according to herbalist Michael Moore. Alder is also used internally as a remedy for tuberculosis and sore throat; externally as a wash for skin infections.

Underside of alder leaf

Maybe even more exciting, the southwestern herbalist Kiva Rose writes on her website about using alder with great success against antibiotic-resistant staph infections and externally infused into oils for pain relief. She says the catkins and bark are the most potent parts for pain-relieving. Herbalists from the nineteenth century write about using it for chronic skin infections of various kinds.

Alder bark

Kiva recommends making a tincture after drying the plant matter first, using one part plants to five parts menstruum with 50% alcohol. Other sources write about tincturing the fresh bark in a 1:2 ratio with 50% alcohol. You could also make a decoction, which is like a tea except you bring the plant parts to a boil and in the water and then simmer them for 15 minutes or so. (Decoctions are used for woody plant parts such as bark and roots.)

Alder is in the birch family. You can find alder trees across the country in forests near water. Red alder in particular lives on the West Coast from coastal Alaska to southern California. It prefers disturbed habitat. Look for a deciduous tree with smooth bark that’s often mottled with white patches of lichen. The leaves are alternate, toothed, and the edges are curled under the underside, which is hairy. It’s a pretty straight vertically growing tree, not curvy like dogwood or even cedar occasionally can be.

Alder catkins and cones

Bonus trivia: Alder heals the land too. It’s nitrogen-fixing for the soil. And you can use the bark to make an orange-red dye.

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Book News:
By popular demand, you can now order a special signed copy of my new book, DANDELION HUNTER, directly from me, and get a personalized inscription! Order now and I will be able to send it to you on or before the official publication date of April 2! (Domestic shipping only at this time. If you are an international reader, e-mail me to place a special order).

Upcoming classes:
- The very first Urban Foraging 101 of 2013 will be 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday March 31, meeting in the gravel lot outside of Townshend’s Tea on Alberta Street, Portland. A very enjoyable urban plant identification walk, followed by a plant-spirit meditation and herbal smoking experience. $40, with a $10 discount for students who have taken the class in prior seasons. You can pay via PayPal or bring cash; drop-ins welcome.

Guided Hikes & Speaking:
To inquire about hiring me for a guided plant identification hike of the city or forest, or to have me come speak to your organization, e-mail me at RebeccaELerner@gmail.com