You've probably seen the so-called alder catkins before. Although the alder flowers differ visually depending on the variety, the long, tuft-like panicles of the male flowers are common to all species and impress with their bizarre appearance. Only allergy sufferers have no reason to be happy. The pollen causes strong allergic reactions. Here you will find out everything you always wanted to know about alder flowers.
When and what does the alder blossom look like?
Alder blossoms can be observed in different varieties (black alder, gray alder, green alder) from January to June. It has male and female inflorescences (monecious), with male catkins consisting of showy, drooping panicles and inconspicuous female catkins.
Alder blossom time
The alder blooms very early. The buds appear before the leaves. However, the species native to Germany sprout at different times:
- Black alder: January to April
- Gray alder: January to April
- Green Alder: May to June
Male and female flowers
The alder tree has both male and female flowers, with only one sex maturing in a catkin. Experts call these unisexual inflorescences monoecious. There are three flowers in male catkins, but only two in female catkins. Did you know that the alder is the only deciduous tree in Germany? the pin carries. After the flowering period, the female catkins become woody and mature into cones, which later form winged or unwinged nuts. The male flowers, on the other hand, have a more striking appearance. Pollination of alder occurs through the wind.
Features
- female flowers are very inconspicuous
- The female flowers of the red alder are upright
- male flowers hang down in elongated panicles
- they are about 10 cm long (length varies depending on the variety)
- often hanging in groups of four on one inflorescence
- the Alnus company alder bears yellow, male flowers
