Common Alder

(Alnus glutinosa)

Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Alnus glutinosa, commonly known as common alder, black alder, or European alder, is a deciduous tree native to riparian zones, wetlands, and moist, fertile soils across most of Europe, southwest Asia, and northern Africa. It typically grows to a height of up to 30 meters (100 ft) with a broad, rounded crown. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and rounded with serrated edges. Alnus glutinosa is monoecious, with separate male and female catkins on the same tree. The male catkins are long and yellowish, while the female catkins are smaller, green, and develop into woody, cone-like fruits that persist into winter. Flowering occurs in early spring before the leaves emerge.

The common alder is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and improve soil quality through its symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Frankia alni. It is often used in reforestation projects, for stabilizing riverbanks, and in wetland creation. Its wood is also used for various purposes, including the production of clogs, wood pulp, and charcoal. In cultivation, it is adaptable but prefers full sun to part shade and medium to wet soils with good drainage. The cultivar ’Imperialis’ has decorative, deeply cut leaves and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. However, Alnus glutinosa can be invasive outside its native range and may outcompete local species.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 40-50 feet
  • Width: 20-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Riparian zones, wetlands, and moist, fertile soils across Europe, southwest Asia, and northern Africa

Other Names

Common Names: Black Alder, Alder, European Black Alder, European Alder, Swartels, Rød-El, Schwarzerle, Schwarz-Erle, Tervaleppä, Aulne Glutineux

Scientific Names: , Alnus glutinosa, Alnus imperialis, Betula alnus subsp. glutinosa, Alnus glutinosa var. laciniata, Alnus glutinosa f. quercifolia, Alnus glutinosa f. imperialis, Alnus glutinosa f. laciniata, Alnus glutinosa f. rubrinervia, Alnus glutinosa f. incisa

GBIF Accepted Name: Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.