A comparison of the range, morphology and habitat of Alnus crispa and Alnus rugosa.

Careful observations about the range, morphology, and habitat of two similar alders, Alnus crispa and Alnus rugosa, revealed their distinctive characteristics. Throughout the months of June and July, 1994, observations about these two shrubs were made in areas in the northern part of the lower peninsula, in Cheboygan, Emmet, and Mackinac Counties, along the north shore of Lake Superior, in Alger County, and also in Ontario, Canada along the Northern shore of Lake Superior. Associates of these plants were also noted and they offered additional insight into the preferred pH and water level for A. crispa and A. rugosa. I defined associates as woody or herbaceous plants that were sharing the same microsite as the Alnus in an area of approximately 2x2 m2.