About

Alnus henryi is a rapidly growing deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. Its leaves are elongated, initially pink, and transition to a glossy green as they mature, before dropping in the autumn. In late summer, numerous male catkins appear, while the female cones remain attached to the branches in clusters throughout the winter months.

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
Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Poorly-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Spreading branched, Columnar upright
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
It is a nitrogen-fixer so can grow on poor soil. Suited to river banks on permanently damp soil in good light. For more information see tree cultivation.
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings or seed. For more advice see our information on how to propagate from seed (tree/shrub
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to alder leaf beetle, alder sucker and leaf-mining sawflies
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to phytophthora root rot and honey fungus