Botanical Classification
The European Alder , scientifically known as Alnus glutinosa , belongs to the Betulaceae mob , which include birch , hazel , and hornbeams . It is part of the genus Alnus , encompassing alder mintage known for their nitrogen - specify capabilities and affinity for lactating habitats . unremarkably called black alder , common alder tree , or European black alder tree , Alnus glutinosa is a deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree appraise for its bionomical and hard-nosed roles . Its classification within the order Fagales aligns it with other temperate hardwood Tree . The mintage name “ glutinosa , ” meaning “ sticky , ” refers to the gummy texture of its young folio and twigs , a distinguish trait .
History
The European Alder has a long history in Europe , where it has been built-in to wetland ecosystems and human activities for millenary . Ancient European cultures , admit the Celts , used its hard , water - repellent wood for cock , clogs , and twist in damp environments , such as pile dwellings and bridges . Its power to ameliorate soil fecundity through N fixation made it valuable in traditional factory farm and land reclamation . In gothic times , alder forest was prise for oxford gray production and dyeing , as its bark generate a reddish - brown pigment . Today , it is widely planted for ecological restoration , particularly in riotous wetlands , and stay on a key species in European forestry and conservation efforts .
identify Characteristics
Alnus glutinosa is a medium - sized deciduous tree , typically grow 40–70 feet magniloquent with a body diam of 1–3 feet . Its leaves are rounded to obovate , 2–4 in long , dark green , and glossy with serrate margins , often sticky when unseasoned . The barque is smooth and grayish when young , becoming dark brown and fissure with old age . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree produces small , violet - chocolate-brown catkins in former spring , with virile and female blossom on the same tree diagram ( monoecious ) , abide by by woody , cone - comparable fruits ( 0.5–1 column inch ) that persist through wintertime . Its conelike to pyramidal crown and power to thrive in blind drunk soils make it distinctive in riparian landscape .
Distribution and Ecology
Native to Europe , Alnus glutinosa couple from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean and east to westerly Siberia and North Africa , with introduced populations in North America and New Zealand . It thrives in temperate climates , favour wet , poorly drain soils in floodplains , marshes , riverside , and peat bog , but can grow in drying agent upland sites with sufficient wet . As a N - fixing coinage , it form symbiotic relationships with Frankia bacteria , enriching soils and supporting plant multifariousness . Alder provides habitat for wildlife , include birds , insects , and aquatic species , and stabilise streambanks against erosion . However , its invasiveness in some non - native region , like parts of North America , has conjure up bionomic concern .
Uses
European Alder has diverse bionomic , industrial , and cultural uses . Its wood , durable when submerged , is used for furniture , veneers , clogs , and submersed construction , such as pilings for bridge circuit or docks . The woodwind instrument is also valued for smoking fish and as a fuel reference , historically for fusain . In ecological restoration , alder tree is plant to rehabilitate riotous wetland , improve soil natality , and control erosion due to its nitrogen - situate root . Its bark and leaves have been used in traditional medicine and dyeing , producing red-faced , brown , or immature hues . Ornamentally , it is used in wet landscape painting for shade and aesthetic collection , though its strong-growing roots and litter limit urban manipulation .
USDA Zones
Alnus glutinosa is brave in USDA Zones 3–7 , thriving in cool to temperate climates with cold-blooded winters and moderate summer . It allow temperatures as humbled as -40 ° farad , make it desirable for northern Europe and part of North America , such as the Northeast and Midwest ( Zone 3 ) . Zone 7 include milder regions like the Pacific Northwest and southern Europe . The tree prefers moist , fat soil and is intolerant of prolonged drought or extreme high temperature , restricting its cultivation in warmer or arid zones . Its adaptability to wet condition pee it ideal for riparian return or landscape with poor drainage in appropriate zones .
