This native alder grows well in poor soil, and its roots can enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen. It is fast-growing to 75 feet. Under certain circumstances of clean air the bark of this tree provides a living to whitish lichens, thus making the bark look much like that of a birch. The tree does best in soil that is moist year around and is common around Crystal Springs Creek at the west end of the campus.

Maps: Not currently found in any of the landscaped areas of campus, but widely planted in the canyon.