Answer: Alder trees are in the birch family (Betulaceae) and the genus Alnus. Alders tend to grow in wet, slightly acidic soils especially along the edges of wetlands. The speckled alder grows in ...

Immature smooth alder catkins, or elongated flowers. Looking at buds can help identify trees in winter. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with staring at tree bark, you can begin to recognize the ...