Seaside Alder
Alnus maritima
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Seaside alder is a medium to large deciduous shrub, sometimes a small tree, with glossy, oval, toothed leaves and a habit of doing things backward. Where every other native alder flowers in spring, Alnus maritima opens elongated catkins in the fall, then carries small, woody, pinecone-like fruits through winter for quiet ornament.
The native range is as unusual as the bloom time. Seaside alder grows wild in only a few places: a limited area on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and adjacent Delaware, a single area in Oklahoma, and a more recently discovered population in north Georgia. Genetic studies suggest these widely separated stands are distinct subspecies, the remnants of a once far more widespread plant. Our material comes from the eastern population.
Rare in cultivation but easy and adaptable, seaside alder takes to moist, sunny places and to ordinary garden soil, and like other alders fixes nitrogen at the roots to enrich poor ground. A fine choice for a pond edge, a rain garden, a streambank, or any damp spot needing soil stabilization, where the fall catkins and persistent little cones earn a second look. Hardy in zones 6 to 9.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 6–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Moist, Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 12–15 Feet · Spread 6–8 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Deciduous
Yellow-brown catkins in fall, followed by small woody cones
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.