Thin leaf alder or aliso, Alnus incana spp. tenuifolia, is a large shrub or small tree that occurs at moderate elevations (6500 to 8500 ft) in northern New Mexico mountains. It has delicate, distinctive cones. Mayes and Lacey (1989) discuss the uses of thinleaf alder, called K'ish in Navajo, for making spears and dyes. Check out this reference for the interesting details.

This substantial tree, Alnus oblongifolia, was common along the streams of the area around Kingston, NM. Carter (1997) lists its common names as New Mexico or Arizona alder, and notes that it can be found at 5500-7500 feet (1680-2300 m). The tiny cones pictured here are characteristic and the easiest feature to use in identification. This tree was photographed along the Gila National Forest road 157S.