Alder
Alnus spp.
Photo by eidelweiss (All rights reserved)
Partial Shade
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
8a
USDA zone
-12°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
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Max | ||
Min |
Flowering
-
spring
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summer
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autumn
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winter
More images of Alder
Alder Overview
Commonly called alders, this genus contains approximately 44 species of deciduous shrubs and trees. They are distributed throughout Northern temperate regions, with some species in Central America and the Northern and Southern fringes of the Andes. Flowers are arranged in catkins and these are edible in some species. They are usually found near rivers, streams or wetlands and multiple hybrid species exist.
Common problems with Alder
How to propagate Alder
Seed
Propagate species by seed in autumn.
Budding
Cultivators by budding in late summer.
Cuttings
Hardwood cuttings in early winter.
Other uses of Alder
Grown for the ability to thrive in wet situations. Hedging. Suitable for coastal conditions. Alder wood is used in woodwork and cabinet making as is also the wood famously used to make Fender guitars as well as subsequent electric guitar manufacturers. Alder wood is relatively water resistant as is the main kind of wood which was used to construct the foundations for the city of Venice. The sap and bark was traditionally used to tan leather.
