Alder

Description

Alder
Fearnóg
Alnus glutinosa
Alder trees are one of our fastest growing native trees, they fix nitrogen from the air and can help neighbouring trees grow faster as well.
Naturally they are often found growing on the banks of rivers and beside lakes. Therefore they are very happy in wet soils. They will do well in most soils
Alder produce attractive yellow catkins which appear between February and April. Alder is monoecious, which means that both male and female catkins are found on the same tree. Male catkins are pendulous, measuring 2–6cm, and turn yellow. Female catkins are green and oval-shaped and are grouped in numbers of three to eight on each stalk. Female catkin turn into brown cones that hold the seed, the seed is ready from September.
It is good wildlife tree that host many insects, moths and birds.
The timber has been used in building bridges and underwater foundations, for smoking foods, for joinery, turning and carving and it also makes good firewood.
Site:- does well in most sites including coastal areas
Soil:- does well in most soils including very wet soils.
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 20m+ Spread: 10m