Download Alder - The Parks Trust

Alder
(Alnus glutinosa)
Alnus glutinosa was originally planted in Milton Keynes but could not stand up to the
harsh clay soil therefore most of the Alder found in the City is Italian Alder (Alnus
cordata) and Grey Alder (Alnus incana) both of which tolerate pollution and dry soil.
Family – Betulacae.
Description – Rapidly growing tree (0.5m pa for the first 30-40 years), mature at about
60 years with long trunk and narrow crown. Distinctive outline in winter. Requires
plenty of light and can be used as pioneer species.
Height – 20m or more (in ideal conditions).
Age – up to 150 years.
Habitat - Very tolerant of water logged
conditions whilst dormant. Typical streamside
tree and will grow on relatively infertile soils and
hence used for site reclamation.
Timber - Light reddish brown and porous with
course texture.
Bark – Grey, smooth, then brown-black. Bleeds’ orange-red if damaged.
Twig – Sticky (glutinous) green then purple-brown and glabrous.
Buds – Stalked, erect, narrowed at the base, flattened, with 2-3 green/purple scales.
Fruit – Cone-like, hard, green then brown. Persist long after winged seeds have dispersed.
Leaf – Initially sticky then glabrous except for the vein-axil creamy hair tufts below.
Widest at or above the middle. Blunt end, midrib often ends in a notch. 6-7 paler veins
each side. Wavy margin. Broad wedge-shaped base. Petiole with raised lenticels. Dark
green/black in autumn.
The Tree Year
Flowers
Leaves
Fruit
Ripen
Leaves fall
-
February / March
April
October / December
December
November
Uses - General purpose hardwood and pulpwood. Particularly suitable for turning,
formerly used to make clogs. Burns quickly when used for firewood but suitable for
charcoal (used to be used for charcoal in gunpowder). Hardens when immersed in water
and suitable for making piles.
Food and Drink - The bark and leaves contain tannin and have astringent properties.
Used in folk medicine to treat chills.