Smooth Alder
Parts Usually Used
Stem bark
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Smooth alder (A. serrulata), the hazel alder, is a shrub or tree growing to 15 feet; with blackish bark that is lightly speckled with small, grayish to orange lenticels. Its leaves are elliptic to obovate (wedged-shaped), finely serrate and usually fine-haired underneath, broadest above the middle. Male catkins abruptly bent. Flowers (catkins) February to May. Cones are woody, erect, persistent.
Where Found
It can be found from Nova Scotia to Oklahoma, Florida, and Louisiana. Forms thickets along waterways.
Medicinal Properties
Astringent, tonic, emetic, diuretic, purgative
Uses
Native American traditions utilized a tea brewed from the bark for diarrhea, coughs, toothaches, and mouth sores, as well as for its purported laxative and blood-purifying properties. Externally, washes made from the plant were applied to hives, poison-ivy rash, piles, swellings, and sprains, or employed as an eye wash.
Bibliography
The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023