About
Alnus cordata subsp. neapolitana is a rapidly growing deciduous tree, reaching heights of approximately 15 meters when provided with optimal conditions. It features heart-shaped leaves that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, with branches exhibiting a horizontal growth habit. The foliage persists into autumn, maintaining its green coloration for an extended period. In spring, both male and female trees produce yellow catkins, which are followed by clusters of greenish-brown fruits resembling pineapples. During winter, small, winged seeds are released. This tree serves effectively as a windbreak and can be used as a screen in expansive landscapes.
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
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural
- Native to
- 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
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to alder sucker, alder leaf beetle and leaf-mining sawflies
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to phytophthora root rots and honey fungus