Leaves are deciduous, alternate, simple, rhomboid usually but broadly ovate to elliptical as well, 4" long, serrated to doubly serrated, dark green upper surface, lighter green below. Nice venation pattern.
Flowers are monoecious. Males overwintering as catkins elongating into 4-6" long inflorescences, generally from lateral branches. Females small, 1/4" long, with a reddish tinge.
Fruit is a cluster of nuts resembling a cone. Smaller than the other alder found here, only 1/2 -3/4" long.
Bark is smooth gray with interesting branch collars.
Misidentification:
Alnus cordata perhaps. However the leaves are different and the size of the "cones" is different.
Location:
Aptos
Soquel Drive but the address is likely Aptos Hills Lane.
Capitola
Monterey Ave. across from the Monterey Ave Park
Soquel
Soquel Creek - almost anywhere along the creek but easy to see on the walking bridge from Main St to the elementary school.
