Alder • Alnus
Trees & Shrubs
Conditions: Allergic rhinitis; conjunctivitis; allergic asthma4 Symptoms: Itchy, stuffy, or runny nose; post-nasal drip; sneezing; itchy, red or watery eyes; asthmatic symptoms
Physical description: Deciduous, temperate climate tree or shrub; can grow up to 80 feet tall; produces catkins and small, woody cones1, 3
Environmental Factors: Mostly native to areas with cool, moist soil3
Cross-reactivity: Birch trees; several fruits and nuts, including apples, almonds, carrots, oranges, hazelnuts, peaches, pears, and plums2
Included species: Arizona alder, black alder, and white alder3
References
- “Alder (Alnus).” Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest. https://oregonstate.edu/trees/broadleaf_genera/alder.htm
- “Lists of foods cross-reacting with pollen.” Food Allergy Information. http://www.foodallergens.info/Facts/Pollen&Food/Which_Foods.html
- “Alder.”Pollen.com. https://www.pollen.com/research/genus/alnus
- “Allergen of the Month—Black Alder.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206(13)00283-4/fulltext
- “Alder.”Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alder
Did You Know?
Alder wood is used to make clogs. Its charcoal is made into gunpowder, and its leaves and stem bark are used in herbal remedies.
