Speckled Alder

The Speckled Alder is a large shrub, or short tree in the Birch Family.  It has the distinction of having the first flowers of the year on the Gunflint Trail.  The lengthy male catkins form in the fall, and seem to grow spikes early in the spring.  If you shake them, or the wind picks up, the pollen is released.

This are the male (pollen bearing) catkins (flowers) of the Specked Alder (Alnus rugosa).

They are approximately 2 1/2 inches long.

These are the female (seed bearing) cones of the Speckled Alder (Alnus rugosa).

They are approximately 1/2 inch long.

The Speckled Alder (also known as the Tag Alder) is a member of the Birch Family, which includes the Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera), and the Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) in Cook County, Minnesota.  It commonly grows in wetland thickets.

The Speckled Alder is another one of the hidden treasures in the Boreal Transition Forest.  Many people walk past, and don't notice this beautiful flower.  The next time you are out in the woods, be sure to take the time to look at the little things!

Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)

It may be tempting for some people to peel the bark off this type of tree.

However, doing so may kill the tree.  You should let it come off in its' own time.