Family: N.O. Betulaceae.

Synonyms: Alnus rubra (obsolete), Smooth Alder and Red Alder.

Parts Used: Bark and Cones.

A well-known shrub, growing in clumps and forming thickets on the borders of ponds or rivers, or in swamps. It bears flowers of a reddish-green colour in March and April. The bark is blackish grey, with small, corky warts, the inner surface being orange-brown, striated. The taste is astringent and somewhat bitter. It is almost odourless.

Medicinal Action and Uses

The decoction, or distilled water of the leaves, is excellent to bathe inflamed or burnt skin and wounds with. It is especially recommended for that inflammation of the chest, which the vulgar call an ague. In winter make use of the bark in the same manner. The leaves and bark are cooling, drying and binding. The fresh leaves laid upon swellings dissolve them and stay the inflammations. The leaves put under the bare feet galled with travelling are refreshing to them.