It is native to eastern North America and can be found from western Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick south to Florida and Texas.

Alnus serrulata is a large shrub or small tree that may grow up to 2.5–4 m (8.2–13.1 ft) high and 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter.

The plant prefers moist soil near streams, pond margins, and riversides.

It usually has multiple stems from its base and reddish-green flowers.

The broad, flat, dark green leaves are about 2 to 4 inches long.

Leaf: The simple, round leaves are obovate, 2 to 5 in long, 1.2 to 2.8 in wide, obtuse, wider at middle, and V-shaped base.

Reddish-green flowers open in March to April.

Seeds are produced in small cones and do not have wings.

Alnus serrulata is mainly located in eastern North America.

It ranges from Maine to Northern Florida, west to southeastern Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois.

Smooth Alder is classified as an facultative wetland species in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains and an obligate wetland species in the North and Midwest.

Alnus serrulata can be found in a habitats such as streambanks, riversides, and swamps.

Alnus serrulata needs 5–10-foot spacing in wildlife habitat.

Because the plant resides in riversides or stream streambanks, it usually functions as a stabilizer and restorer for those habitats.

It is also used to treat astringent, diuretic, emetic, ophthalmic, and purgative symptoms.

A tea made from the bark is said to work as a treatment for diarrhea, coughs, toothaches, sore mouth, and the pain of birth.

Flora of Delaware and the Eastern Shore; an Annotated List of the Ferns and Flowering Plants of the Peninsula of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.