Arizona alder facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arizona alder |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Alnus
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| Species: |
oblongifolia
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| Natural range of Alnus oblongifolia | |
The Arizona alder (scientific name: Alnus oblongifolia) is a type of tree. It belongs to the birch family. This tree can grow quite tall, reaching up to about 72 feet (22 meters).
You can find the Arizona alder mainly in the southwestern United States. It also grows in northern Sonora, Mexico.
Discovering the Arizona Alder
The Arizona alder is a beautiful and important tree. It is known for its tall size. It is a key part of the forests where it lives.
Where Does the Arizona Alder Grow?
This tree loves to grow near water. You will often find it along streams and rivers. It prefers places that are not too hot or too cold.
The Arizona alder is common in Arizona. It also grows in the western mountain ranges of New Mexico. In central Arizona, it spreads across a special area called the Arizona transition zone. This zone leads to the White Mountains. These mountains are near the border of eastern Arizona and western New Mexico.
In other parts of New Mexico, you might find it in scattered mountain areas. In southern Arizona, it grows in two mountain regions. It is also found in nearby Sonora, Mexico. This is in the northern part of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. These areas are close to Arizona's "sky islands." These are tall mountains that stand out like islands in a desert.
You can also spot isolated groups of these trees. They are in a region of southwest Chihuahua. They are also in neighboring northwest Durango. These areas are part of the eastern Sierra Madre Occidentals.
What Does the Arizona Alder Look Like?
Arizona alders are known for their smooth bark. Their leaves are oval-shaped. They have small, cone-like fruits. These fruits hold the tree's seeds. The tree's roots help to hold soil in place. This is very important along riverbanks.
