Would you like to find out more about the properties of alder? Then you are right here. A clear profile shows all the essential characteristics of the deciduous tree. With the knowledge that this profile gives you, you will be able to easily distinguish the alder from other deciduous trees in the future.

The alder is a birch family

General

  • German name: alder
  • Latin name: Alnus
  • Synonyms: red alder, Else
  • maximum age: 80-120 years
  • Family: Birch family
  • deciduous tree
  • Special feature: eponymous for numerous localities (e.g. Erlangen), only deciduous tree with cones
  • the pollen trigger strong allergic reactions
  • offers shelter to numerous species of butterflies

Happen

  • grows to altitudes of 1.2 km
  • native
  • Number of species: about 35
  • of which native to Germany: 3 species: gray alder, black alder, green alder
  • the black alder has the largest population in Germany because it is better adapted to moist soil
  • Distribution: throughout the northern hemisphere
  • The largest and best-known alder stand is the Spreewald around Berlin
  • prefers bogs and very moist substrates
  • also thrives on nutrient-poor soils by entering into a symbiosis with nodule bacteria

habit

  • maximum growth height: 20 to 25 meters

leaves

  • Length of leaves: 5 to 10 cm
  • Shape of leaves: ovate
  • Color of the leaves: sap green
  • sticky
  • sawn leaf edge
  • short petiole
  • The underside of the leaf is hairy yellowish

blossom

  • Flowering time: March to April
  • male and female flowers
  • Flowers are called catkins
  • male flowers are larger, the female very inconspicuous
  • wind pollination
  • Flower length: 6 to 12 cm
  • Color of the flower: yellow

bark

  • Color of bark: dark brown to black
  • Structure: scaly

fruit

  • small nuts
  • Buds are sticky
  • Color: brown
  • matures into a cone that stays on the tree through winter
  • Ripening time: September to October
  • length: 2 cm

use

  • soft wood
  • water resistant
  • plywood
  • pencil making
  • clogs
  • broom
  • toy
  • instruments
  • rare furniture

Diseases

  • Root rot by fungus
  • declining population due to the increasing drainage of bogs and moist forests

mythology

  • was long considered disreputable
  • was often associated with evil
  • felling the alder reveals the red core, which has been associated with blood
  • Due to the preferred location in moors, witches are said to have lived in the alders

Category:

Trees