About

Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby is a robust deciduous tree that reaches a medium height, characterized by its glossy, dark green foliage. The male catkins are yellow and can grow up to 10 cm long. Its fruit measures approximately 2.5 cm and has a cone-shaped appearance.

About the genus

Alnus comprises robust deciduous trees and sizable shrubs characterized by their rounded foliage and, during winter, noticeable catkins.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Wildlife gardens
Native to
Corsica & S Italy

Care notes

Cultivation
Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, but tolerates a range of conditions including poor drainage. Can make a fast-growing screen on wet sites. This genus is noted for its ability to thrive in poor, wet conditions and is widely used in land reclamation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by seed or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to alder sucker and leaf-mining sawflies
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to Phytophthora and honey fungus