Alder (White Alder) Alnus rhombifolia
A member of the Birch Family the White Alder is a deciduous medium sized tree 30-75 ft. tall. It is found in riparian habitats directly along rivers, creeks and year-round water. It is often growing in association with willow, sycamores, and big-leaf maples. The female catkins look like small conifer cones.
Alders along the Big Sur River
Still green Alder "cones" in the Fall.
White Alder leaf and female (cone-like) catkins