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Alders (Alnus)
Alders are common trees in lake climates around Europe. They play an important role in Irish and Celtic mythology. According to one of these stories, a mythical figure named Deirdre of the Sorrows escaped from a king's warriors by hiding in a nearby forest of alders, leading the trees to be associated with themes of hiding and secrecy. The wood itself turns deep orange when cut, adding to the superstitions surrounding this tree.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Key Facts About Alders
Feedback
Attributes of Alders
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Harvest Time
Summer
Flower Color
Yellow
Red
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
5 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Alders
Distribution of Alders
Feedback
Distribution Map of Alders
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Alders
Feedback
The alders genus comprises deciduous trees and shrubs characterized by adaptable, robust growth profiles. Basic Care requires sun to partial shade, moist to wet soil conditions, and tolerance to most temperature zones. Common Challenges include pests (such as aphids and caterpillars) and diseases like rust and canker. Alders shows seasonal resiliency; however, spring is a vital period for proactive pest management and autumn for leaf cleanup. Despite some challenges, with mindful care, alders can be a resilient addition to diverse landscapes.
Exploring the Alders Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Black alder
Black alder (Alnus glutinosa) is indigenous to almost all of continental Europe. It’s used commercially in papermaking, in the manufacture of fiberboard, and in energy production. The bark of black alder has been used for hundreds of years in dyeing and tanning. The leaves of this species are so sticky, some people put them on the floor of their homes to trap fleas.
Alder
Alnus acuminata’s flowers are generally pollinated by the wind. It's an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 m, and its maximum age can reach up to 60 years. Its timber preserves well and dries easily. It has odorless, brown-yellow wood used for broom handles, particle boards, and plywood cores.
Italian alder
Native to Corsica, italian alder has been introduced and naturalized in many other countries. This tree prefers dry soils and will grow rapidly even in poor conditions. Italian alder is a nitrogen fixer and can improve soil health where it is planted.
Red alder
The red alder, one of the world's largest alders, takes its common name from the vibrant reddish color that emerges in its bruised or scraped bark. The various parts of this tree have multiple uses. Native Americans use the bark of this tree to make dye and medicine. Its wood is used in construction and furniture.
Gray alder
Gray alder is a deciduous, perennial tree that produces fruiting cones with winged seeds. These cones are pollinated, and the seeds are dispersed by the wind. This tree is valuable to the environment as its root nodules contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which improves and restores the quality of the soil. It is a fast-growing shrub-like tree with a relatively short lifespan.
White Alder
White Alder (*Alnus rhombifolia*) is a deciduous tree that can grow to be 15 to 24 m tall. It has pale gray bark that turns scaly as the tree ages. White Alder male flowers are pendulous catkins that are yellowish to brown. Female catkins are smaller, oval-shaped and bloom in summer and fall. This species has small winged seeds that disperse during winter. It attracts butterflies and birds and grows best in full sunlight.
Hazel alder
The hazel alder is a small tree common to the United States. It is slow growing and takes about ten years to reach maturity. It prefers the moist soil of riverbanks and creek beds. This tree or large bush bears fruit that resembles a pinecone.
East Asian alder
The tree height is 15 to 20 m and the diameter is about 60 cm. The male flower ears are a black-brown cylindrical shape that hangs down in a tail shape. The fruits are pine cones and ripen around fall. The leaves are patterned and oval with a length of 5 to 13 cm. There are fine saw blades on the edges.
All Species of Alders
Black alder
Black alder
Black alder (Alnus glutinosa) is indigenous to almost all of continental Europe. It’s used commercially in papermaking, in the manufacture of fiberboard, and in energy production. The bark of black alder has been used for hundreds of years in dyeing and tanning. The leaves of this species are so sticky, some people put them on the floor of their homes to trap fleas.
Alder
Alder
Alnus acuminata’s flowers are generally pollinated by the wind. It's an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 m, and its maximum age can reach up to 60 years. Its timber preserves well and dries easily. It has odorless, brown-yellow wood used for broom handles, particle boards, and plywood cores.
Italian alder
Italian alder
Native to Corsica, italian alder has been introduced and naturalized in many other countries. This tree prefers dry soils and will grow rapidly even in poor conditions. Italian alder is a nitrogen fixer and can improve soil health where it is planted.
Red alder
Red alder
The red alder, one of the world's largest alders, takes its common name from the vibrant reddish color that emerges in its bruised or scraped bark. The various parts of this tree have multiple uses. Native Americans use the bark of this tree to make dye and medicine. Its wood is used in construction and furniture.
Gray alder
Gray alder
Gray alder is a deciduous, perennial tree that produces fruiting cones with winged seeds. These cones are pollinated, and the seeds are dispersed by the wind. This tree is valuable to the environment as its root nodules contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which improves and restores the quality of the soil. It is a fast-growing shrub-like tree with a relatively short lifespan.
White Alder
White Alder
White Alder (*Alnus rhombifolia*) is a deciduous tree that can grow to be 15 to 24 m tall. It has pale gray bark that turns scaly as the tree ages. White Alder male flowers are pendulous catkins that are yellowish to brown. Female catkins are smaller, oval-shaped and bloom in summer and fall. This species has small winged seeds that disperse during winter. It attracts butterflies and birds and grows best in full sunlight.
Hazel alder
Hazel alder
The hazel alder is a small tree common to the United States. It is slow growing and takes about ten years to reach maturity. It prefers the moist soil of riverbanks and creek beds. This tree or large bush bears fruit that resembles a pinecone.
East Asian alder
East Asian alder
The tree height is 15 to 20 m and the diameter is about 60 cm. The male flower ears are a black-brown cylindrical shape that hangs down in a tail shape. The fruits are pine cones and ripen around fall. The leaves are patterned and oval with a length of 5 to 13 cm. There are fine saw blades on the edges.
Manchurian alder
Manchurian alder
Found in the wild at elevations of 762 m and 1524 m, manchurian alder, is said to be the most drought tolerant Alder and can be transplanted easily. Manchurian alder is used for furniture and as building timber. It also makes for good fuel and charcoal. It has been noted as a nitrogen fixer and utilized to prevent soil erosion.
American green alder
American green alder
The american green alder (*Alnus alnobetula subsp. fruticosa*) improves soil fertility as its roots have nitrogen-fixing nodules. The roots can also penetrate mine spoils, so the trees are used for revegetation and strip-mine reclamation. They can colonize avalanche chutes in mountainous areas as they are able to regrow from broken stumps.
Formosan alder
Formosan alder
The formosan alder is a trees up to 20 meters in height with dark gray-brown bark. The petiole is 1.2-2.2 cm, slender; leaves elliptic or oblong-lanceolate, rarely ovate-oblong, 6-12 × 2–5 cm, hairy in the axils of lateral veins beneath, almost hairless above, rounded or broadly cuneate base, irregularly minutely serrated margin, acuminate or acute apex; lateral veins 6 or 7 on each side of the midrib. It has one female inflorescence, or 2-4 in a cluster, ellipsoid, 1-2.5 cm; peduncle 3–5 mm.
Alnus firma
Alnus firma
Alnus firma is a hardy, deciduous tree known for its resilience to cold environments. Its serrated leaves, conical growth form, and clusters of small, woody cones distinguish it. Preferring moist soils alongside rivers and in forests, alnus firma has a robust root system, which helps control erosion, illustrating a symbiotic relationship with its habitat.
Alnus pendula
Alnus pendula
Alnus pendula is a deciduous tree known for its gracefully weeping branches that add a picturesque quality to landscapes. It bears catkins which add a soft texture to its appearance in early spring. Thriving near water, alnus pendula's root system stabilizes riverbanks, illustrating a harmonious interaction with its aquatic surroundings. Its toothed leaves change to vibrant yellows in autumn, signaling its adaptation to temperate climates.
Arizona alder
Arizona alder
Arizona alder is a deciduous tree known for its narrow, elongated leaves that prefer the moist soils near streams and rivers. Its handsome, serrated foliage and catkin-like flowers, which appear in early spring before the leaves, contribute to its identity. With a smooth, grey bark that becomes rugged with age, arizona alder thrives in riparian zones, playing a crucial role in stabilizing these ecosystems by helping to prevent erosion.
Alnus sieboldiana
Alnus sieboldiana
Alnus sieboldiana is a deciduous tree notable for its serrated, oblong leaves and catkin flower clusters, which are particularly adapted to its temperate habitat. The bark is smooth and gray, providing a stark contrast against lush green foliage. Its robust root system is well-suited to moist soils near rivers and streams, where it plays a crucial role in stabilizing riverbanks and supporting local ecosystems.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Alders
Alnus
Alders are common trees in lake climates around Europe. They play an important role in Irish and Celtic mythology. According to one of these stories, a mythical figure named Deirdre of the Sorrows escaped from a king's warriors by hiding in a nearby forest of alders, leading the trees to be associated with themes of hiding and secrecy. The wood itself turns deep orange when cut, adding to the superstitions surrounding this tree.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
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Key Facts About Alders
Feedback
Attributes of Alders
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Harvest Time
Summer
Flower Color
Yellow
Red
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
5 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Alders
Distribution of Alders
Feedback
Distribution Map of Alders
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Alders
Feedback
The alders genus comprises deciduous trees and shrubs characterized by adaptable, robust growth profiles. Basic Care requires sun to partial shade, moist to wet soil conditions, and tolerance to most temperature zones. Common Challenges include pests (such as aphids and caterpillars) and diseases like rust and canker. Alders shows seasonal resiliency; however, spring is a vital period for proactive pest management and autumn for leaf cleanup. Despite some challenges, with mindful care, alders can be a resilient addition to diverse landscapes.
Exploring the Alders Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Black alder
Black alder (Alnus glutinosa) is indigenous to almost all of continental Europe. It’s used commercially in papermaking, in the manufacture of fiberboard, and in energy production. The bark of black alder has been used for hundreds of years in dyeing and tanning. The leaves of this species are so sticky, some people put them on the floor of their homes to trap fleas.
Alder
Alnus acuminata’s flowers are generally pollinated by the wind. It's an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 m, and its maximum age can reach up to 60 years. Its timber preserves well and dries easily. It has odorless, brown-yellow wood used for broom handles, particle boards, and plywood cores.
Italian alder
Native to Corsica, italian alder has been introduced and naturalized in many other countries. This tree prefers dry soils and will grow rapidly even in poor conditions. Italian alder is a nitrogen fixer and can improve soil health where it is planted.
Red alder
The red alder, one of the world's largest alders, takes its common name from the vibrant reddish color that emerges in its bruised or scraped bark. The various parts of this tree have multiple uses. Native Americans use the bark of this tree to make dye and medicine. Its wood is used in construction and furniture.
Show More Species
All Species of Alders
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
