Tree
Hazel Alder
Alnus serrulata
Varieties We Carry
StandardAlnus serrulata
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$24.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterHigh
Mature size5-30 feet × 5-10 feet
About Hazel Alder
Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata) is a native deciduous shrub or small tree of the eastern United States, typically found along stream banks and wet lowlands, bearing catkins in late winter before the leaves emerge and small woody cone-like fruits. A nitrogen-fixing species, it plays an important ecological role in stabilizing streambanks and enriching riparian soils. Starting at $24.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Winter, Spring
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Loam, Clay, Sandy, Organic, Acidic, Wet, Aquatic
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Hazel Alder grows best in full sun to part sun; it tolerates some shade but produces the best form and catkin display in open, sunny riparian sites.
Water
This native wetland shrub/small tree thrives in consistently moist to permanently wet conditions — ideal for stream banks, pond edges, and rain gardens in NE Florida. It will not perform well in dry upland sites.
Soil & Fertilizer
Hazel Alder fixes its own nitrogen via Frankia root-nodule bacteria and requires no routine fertilization. Plant in moist to wet acidic soils (loam, clay, or sand with organic matter). Use in naturalized riparian or rain-garden settings — it is low-maintenance once sited correctly.
Similar needs
Halberdleaf Rosemallow
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
Hardy Hibiscus
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, high water, loam, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
Florida Anise
Shares 4 of the same needs: high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $24.95Same conditions
American Hornbeam
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $250.00Same conditions
American Snowbell
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $59.95Same conditions
Dahoon Holly
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $6.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Hazel Alder a good plant for St. Augustine?
Hazel Alder is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 5-30 feet × 5-10 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.