Alnus glutinosa
Betulaceae
February to April
It is found throughout the country.
See the BSBI distribution map for Alder
It grows on damp or wet soils - beside rivers, streams,
canals, lakes and ditches, and areas prone to seasonal
flooding.
It has a requirement for water in the early stages of
growth.
It is a pioneer plant - growing on bare areas and paving
the way for other plants to follow.
Nodules on the roots contain an actinomycete, Frankia,
which fixes nitrogen and enables alder to colonise
nitrogen-poor soils.
Alder is a native, deciduous tree growing to 22m, but
often much shorter.
Male catkins are yellowish and dangling.
Female flowers are small, purple and erect.
Cones turn from green to black.
Leaves are dark green and smooth.
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Alder tree with catkins
Female flowers
Close-up of female flowers with styles
Male flowers - catkins
Close-up of male flowers with stamens
Alder leaf
Cone in summer
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Old cone persisting on tree
Male and female flowers in January
Alder invading wet land
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