red alder

Red alder catkins provide a vital early-season pollen source for honeybees, supporting brood rearing in spring, though nectar rewards are minimal due to its wind-pollinated nature. Peak bloom aligns with early spring in temperate climates, typically lasting several weeks. This fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree prefers moist, riparian habitats and disturbed soils but has a relatively short lifespan of 50-70 years, necessitating succession planning in managed landscapes.