Its natural habitat covers almost all Europe, the only exception is the northern part of Scandinavia. It`s one of the most typical species of woody wetlands. Fast-growing and can reach up to 20 m tall. Excellently withstands the polluted air, so it`s liked along busy roads in cities very much. USDA Zone 4a .
The Alder is most often to be found growing alongside streams and rivers, as well as in damp meadows and boggy areas. The female flowers appear in the early spring, before the leaves break bud, and are pinkish in colour. The distinctive golden catkins are the male flowers, and appear in autumn. It is a deciduous tree, with fairly dark coloured, oval, toothed leaves. The fruits look slightly like a miniature fir cone ? its not unusual to see the fruit on the branches alongside the catkins. The Alder can range in size from a shrub to a fairly large tree. The bark is furrowed and ranges in colour from brown to blackish-grey. The inner wood, when felled, is originally white but turns a reddish pink colour. Alder trees are often found growing side by side with Birch and Willow trees. Also Known As: Aller, Howler, Black Alder, Common Alder, European Alder, Whistlewood, Irish Mahogany, Scottish Mahogany
Hardiness Zone: 4a.
Uses: It is important as coppice-wood on marshy ground. The wood is soft, white when first cut and turning to pale red; the knots are beautifully mottled. Under water the wood is very durable, and it is therefore used for piles. The supports of the Rialto at Venice, and many buildings at Amsterdam, are of Alder wood. It is also the traditional wood burnt to produce smoked fish and other smoked foods, though in some areas other woods are more often used now. Furniture is sometimes made from the wood, as were clogs, and it supplies excellent charcoal for gunpowder. The bark is astringent; it is used for tanning and dyeing. Alnus glutinosa is also cultivated and locally naturalised in eastern North America.
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Drought tolerant |  |
Shadow |
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Average water demand |  |
Half-shade |
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High water demand |  |
Sunny |
ZONE: The USDA Hardiness Zone of the plant. See the chart of USDA Hardiness Zones HERE!
SIZE: The size of the plant in centimeter.
QUALITY: For example: K1: we grow the plant in 1 liter container, CSP8x8: we grow the plant in 8x8 cm pot, SZGY: we ship the plant with bare root (carefully packed), FL: we ship the plant with root ball.
