What Is An Alder Tree Information About Alder Trees

Recognisable for its purple sheen in spring, alder trees are one of our smaller native tree species. They have a light, delicate appearance, with grey bark, flecked with white. The leaves are round and toothed. The seeds develop in cones; in fact, alder is the only British native deciduous tree to develop cones.

What are alder trees good for?
What is an alder tree look like?
Where does alder grow?
How old can alder trees live?
Are alder trees poisonous?
Is alder wood poisonous?
What does Alder mean?
Is Alder a tree or shrub?
How long do white alder trees live?
How do you care for an alder tree?
Are alder trees invasive?

What are alder trees good for?

The wood of certain alder species is often used to smoke various food items such as coffee, salmon, and other seafood. Most of the pilings that form the foundation of Venice were made from alder trees. Alder bark contains the anti-inflammatory salicin, which is metabolized into salicylic acid in the body.

What is an alder tree look like?

tall, and include the red and white alders. ... The leaves on a red alder are tightly rolled under along the edges, while those on a white alder are more flat. Sitka and thinleaf alders reach heights of no more than 25 feet (7.5 m.). They can be grown as large shrubs or small trees.

Where does alder grow?

As early as January, when many trees are still dormant, you might find yourself sneezing through a cloud of white alder pollen. Alders are members of the birch family (Betulaceae), and several species of alder grow natively in North America, typically near streams.

How old can alder trees live?

The tree has a slender conical shape, grows to about 20 metres high, and lives for around 60 years. There are often two or three main trunks growing together and young twigs and buds are sticky to the touch.

Are alder trees poisonous?

I think a lot of the confusion stems from the fact that the common name "Alder" is used to describe more than one species including one which is actually a sub species of sycamore and potentially implicated in atypical myopathy. Common Alder - Alnus Glutinosa - is not poisonous so far as I understand it.

Is alder wood poisonous?

Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, alder in the Alnus genus has been reported to cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

What does Alder mean?

(Entry 1 of 2) : any of a genus (Alnus) of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs of the birch family that have catkins which become woody, that typically grow in cool moist ground, and that have wood used especially in turnery also : its wood. Alder.

Is Alder a tree or shrub?

Mountain Alder (Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia) is a native tree or shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It is fast growing and moderately long-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 20 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer.

How long do white alder trees live?

per year until 20 years of age. They are a relatively short lived species compared to other PNW native tree species.

How do you care for an alder tree?

Alder Care

Pruning: Alders need to be pruned regularly. If you neglect to trim the tree seasonally it will turn into a spreading thicket of stems.
Fertilizing: Since the Alder produces its own nitrogen, you don't need to ever fertilize it.
Sunlight: Alders prefer full sunlight, though they will tolerate partial shade.

Are alder trees invasive?

Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

Its Latin name, Alnus glutinosa, tips you off that this tree develops a gummy resin on new leaves and buds. Take note that this alder species can become invasive in some areas.