Native to the Pacific Northwest, where it grows at high elevations, Sitka alder is a shrubby tree growing 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. In its native habitat, it is beneficial to wildlife and the environment. It grows quickly to form thickets for animal shelter and improves the soil through nitrogen fixation. Its fallen leaves stabilize steep slopes, and avalanches rarely damage it. It slows the flow of water during spring snowmelt. Its shallow root system, marked by vigorous production of stump and root suckers, makes it undesirable for residential use. It grows best in full sun to part shade and is attractive to birds.