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Description
Rhopalephora Scaberrima, commonly known as the Smooth Alder, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Betulaceae family. This shrub has been widely used in landscaping because of its beautiful and unique appearance. It is a native of North America and is commonly found growing in wetlands, along streams, and in other moist areas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Genus | Rhopalephora |
Appearance
The Smooth Alder can grow up to 20 feet tall with a spread of about 10 feet. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate in shape, measuring about 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. They are dark green in color with a toothed margin. The flowers are small and yellowish-brown in color, appearing in late winter or early spring. The fruit is a small, cone-like structure that contains many small, winged seeds. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color.
Care Guide
Water: The Smooth Alder prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.Fertilization: Fertilize the shrub in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.Soil: The Smooth Alder prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.Sunlight: The shrub can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but it grows best in partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Smooth Alder is hardy in zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Smooth Alder is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot, canker, and aphids.
Habitat
The Smooth Alder is native to North America and is commonly found growing in wetlands, along streams, and in other moist areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Smooth Alder tolerate drought conditions?
A: No, the Smooth Alder prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought conditions.Q: When is the best time to prune the Smooth Alder?
A: The best time to prune the Smooth Alder is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.Q: Can the Smooth Alder grow in full sun?
A: Yes, the Smooth Alder can tolerate full sun, but it grows best in partial shade.Q: Is the Smooth Alder a good plant for landscaping?
A: Yes, the Smooth Alder is a great plant for landscaping because of its unique appearance and tolerance of wet conditions.
Related Plants
- Rhopalephora Californica
- Rhopalephora Nitens
- Rhopalephora Pubescens
References
- “Rhopalephora Scaberrima.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a723.
- “Rhopalephora Scaberrima.” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rhopalephora-scaberrima/.
- “Rhopalephora Scaberrima.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RHSC4.
