Found along the coast and river valleys of British Columbia, the red alder thrives in places of change—disturbed soils, new growth, and forest edges. Its curled, serrated leaves symbolize renewal, adaptability, and healing. The tree itself is fast-growing and short-lived, often one of the first to reclaim damaged land. Revered by Indigenous peoples for medicine and red dye, red alder carries deep spiritual meaning as a tree of transformation and connection to the land.