Black Alder
The Black Alder, Alnus glutinosa, is a rapid growing European native that grows as a mid-sized tree that can gets up to 40 feet tall. It thrives in truly wet soil!
The Black Alder is a hardy tree, surviving northern winters well, though it does better in wet sites and can be short lived if grown in dry, stressful sites.
The grayish brown bark is complemented by nutlets that mature in October and persist in pistillate catkins over winter. Black Alder is a good choice where a large windbreak is needed.
The Alder is one of the few tree varieties that convert nitrogen from the soil atmosphere enabling it to grow and prosper even in adverse conditions. The Black Alder needs plenty of moisture to get established and will grow in heavily compacted soil if a moderate amount of water is available.
The four-inch long leaves are dark green on the top and very light on the bottom. Greenish-yellow catkins with numerous tiny flowers are displayed in early spring. This blooming period occurs during the spring before the leaves develop; the florets are cross-pollinated by wind.
* Windbreak
* Rapid growing
* Greenish yellow catkins
Plant Facts
| Family | Alnus glutinosa |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Dark Green |
| Mature Height | 30 to 40 feet |
| Mature Spread | 25 to 30 feet |
| Soil | Widely adaptable |
| Zones | 4-7 |
| Moisture | Widely adaptable |
| Mature Form | Rounded |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Quick Overview
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