About

Alnus glutinosa 'Laciniata' is a sizable, typically multi-stemmed tree commonly found near riverbanks. Its leaves are thick and green, featuring pronounced indentations between the veins that create narrow lobes. The foliage remains green through the fall without any significant autumn coloration. In winter, the tree showcases upright catkins that are deep red, adding a subtle vibrancy to the landscape. Female flowers emerge as small clusters that mature into durable, woody cones.

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, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Poorly-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
wider than 8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Architectural

Care notes

Cultivation
Needs good light, permanently damp soil but very little fertility as they have nitrogen-fixing nodules on their roots. They are used for river bank stabilisation and other land reclamation purposes
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Grow from 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