Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties
Uses | Bibliography
Scientific Names
- Alnus serratlata
- Hazelnut family
Common Names
- Hazel alder
Parts Usually Used
Stem bark
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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.
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Where Found
It can be found from Nova Scotia to Oklahoma, Florida, and Louisiana.
Forms thickets along waterways.
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Medicinal Properties
Astringent, tonic, emetic, diuretic, purgative
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Uses
Native Americans used the bark tea for diarrhea, pain of childbirth, coughs, toothaches, sore mouth, and as a blood purifier, a laxative. Externally, as an eye wash, a wash for hives, poison-ivy rash, piles, swellings, and sprains. Used in the 1800’s for malaria and syphilis.
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Bibliography
The Herb Book
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants
Webster’s New World Dictionary
