Alnus glutinosa Alder (Betulaceae) Deciduous tree

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Alnus glutinosa
Alder
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Alnus glutinosa plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Betulaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Alder. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. rotundifolia. Betula glutinosa.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Alnus glutinosa
Common Name:  Alder
Family:  Betulaceae
Author:  (L.)Gaertn.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  25   Mature Width:  10

Habitat:  Wet ground in woods, near lakes and along the sides of streams[9].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a heavy soil and a damp situation[1, 11], tolerating prolonged submergence of its roots and periods with standing water to 30cm deep[186, 200]. Plants can also grow quickly in much drier sites, though they will usually not live for so long in such a position. Alders grow well in heavy clay soils[24, 98], they also tolerate lime and very infertile sites[200]. Tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers a pH above 6[186]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure[49, 75, 166]. The leaves often remain green on the tree until November, or even later on young seedlings. The seeds contain a margin of air-filled tissue and are capable of floating in water for 30 days before becoming waterlogged[186]. This enables distribution of the seed by water. The alder has a very rapid early growth[98], specimens 5 years old from seed were 4 metres tall even though growing in a very windy site in Cornwall[K]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil micro-organisms, these form nodules on the roots of the plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[98, 200]. Trees often produce adventitious roots from near the base of the stem and these give additional support in unstable soils[186]. Trees are very tolerant of cutting and were at one time much coppiced for their wood which had a variety of uses[4, 186]. Alders are an important food plant for the caterpillars of many butterfly and moth species[30] and also for small birds in winter[24].There are 90 insect species associated with this tree[24]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[200]

For further Alnus glutinosa gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future