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 easily be able to distinguish the alder from other deciduous trees in the future.
What are the main characteristics of alder?
The alder (Alnus) is a deciduous deciduous tree from the birch family that grows in moors and wet areas. It reaches a height of 20-25 meters, has egg-shaped, succulent green leaves and flowers in yellow catkins from March to April. Its cone-like fruits ripen from September to October.
General
- German name: Alder
- Latin name: Alnus
- Synonyms: Red Alder, Else
- maximum age: 80-120 years
- Family: Birch family
- summer green deciduous tree
- Special feature: namesake for numerous towns (for example Erlangen), the only deciduous tree with cones
- the pollen triggers strong allergic reactions
- Provides shelter to numerous species of butterflies
Occurrences
- grows up to altitudes of 1.2 km
- local
- Number of species: approx. 35
- of which native to Germany: 3 species: gray alder, black alder, green alder
- Black alder has the largest population in Germany because it is better adapted to moist soils
- Distribution: throughout the northern hemisphere
- The largest and most famous alder stand is the Spreewald around Berlin
- prefers moors and very moist surfaces
- also thrives on nutrient-poor soils by entering into a symbiosis with nodule bacteria
Habitus
maximum height: 20 to 25 meters
leaves
- Length of leaves: 5 to 10 cm
- Shape of leaves: egg-shaped
- Color of the leaves: succulent green
- sticky
- sawn leaf edge
- short petiole
- The underside of the leaf is yellowish hairy
Bloom
- Flowering time: March to April
- male and female flowers
- Flowers are called catkins
- male flowers are larger, the female flowers are very inconspicuous
- Wind pollination
- Length of flower: 6 to 12 cm
- Color of the flower: yellow
Bark
- Bark color: dark brown to black
- Structure: flaky
Fruits
- small nuts
- Buds are sticky
- Color: brown
- ripenes into a cone that stays on the tree in winter
- Ripe time: September to October
- length: 2 cm
Usage
- soft wood
- water resistant
- Plywood
- Pencil Making
- Clogs
- Broom
- Toys
- Instruments
- rare furniture
Diseases
- Root rot caused by fungus
- declining population due to increasing drainage of moors and moist forests
Mythology
- was considered disreputable for a long time
- was often associated with evil
- When the alder is felled, the red core is revealed, which was associated with blood
- Due to the preferred location in moors, witches are said to have lived in the alder trees
