Alnus rubra
Oregon alder
Alnus rubra, commonly known as the Red Alder, is a versatile deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest. Beyond its ecological role in nitrogen fixation, it possesses significant medicinal value. Traditionally, its bark and leaves have been utilized in various cultures for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Scientific name: Alnus rubra
- Family: Betulaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Alnus rubra, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fagales and the family Betulaceae. It is further categorized under the genus Alnus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fagales | WCVP |
| Family | Betulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Alnus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Alnus rubra, is referred to by various names depending on the language and region. In German, it is called Rot-Erle, while in Russian, it is known as Ольха красная. The Komi languages use similar terminology, with the Udmurt name being Горд лулпу and the Komi name being Гӧрд ловпу. Additionally, in Azerbaijani, the species is identified as Qırmızı qızılağac.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Rot-Erle | Wikidata |
| udm | Горд лулпу | Wikidata |
| ru | Ольха красная | Wikidata |
| koi | Гӧрд ловпу | Wikidata |
| az | Qırmızı qızılağac | Wikidata |
| hu | vörös éger | Wikidata |
| fi | punaleppä | Wikidata |
| ar | نغت أحمر | Wikidata |
| fa | توسکای قرمز | Wikidata |
| pl | Olsza czerwona | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical range that spans several distinct regions across the Northern Hemisphere. In Europe, its presence can be noted within the territory of Great Britain. Moving across the Atlantic, it is found in Subarctic America, specifically within Alaska and the Yukon. The distribution continues southward into Western Canada, where it is prevalent in British Columbia. Finally, its range extends into the Northwestern United States, specifically reaching into Idaho.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Subarctic America | Alaska | WCVP |
| Subarctic America | Yukon | WCVP |
| Western Canada | British Columbia | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Idaho | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Montana | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Oregon | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Washington | WCVP |
| Southwestern U.S.A. | California | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina South | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the red alder, possesses distinct botanical features that are utilized in various traditional applications. Its reproductive structures include small, pendulous catkins that emerge from the branches, which are characteristic of its genus. Additionally, the thick, reddish-brown bark covers the trunk and limbs, serving as a protective outer layer for the tree's vascular system.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| catkins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Alnus rubra has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ellagitannin, oregonin.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ellagitannin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oregonin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |