Photo of Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' form by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

Photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

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Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis'

Also Known As

  • Imperialis Cutleaf European Alder

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 30'-50'
  • W: 20'-40'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' plant details

Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring and winter purple flowers emerge. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis'

Plant type: tree
Plant family: betulaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 20 FT - 40 FT - wide, 30 FT - 50 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring and winter
Uses: winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis'

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The wood of the small-med bushy tree was once used to make clogs in Europe, but this variety is really too attractive for that with its deeply and finely-cut leaves; a handsome large shrub for hedge or specimen. S/M-W
An elegant and refined cut leaf selection of black alder, old plants are spectacular, this is an excellent choice for wet sites, even growing in standing water although it will tolerate dry sandy upland sites as well, Like many plants that fix their own nitrogen it is a relatively fast grower. It is also a good place to search for Feniseca tarquinius, our only carnivorous butterfly larva which is rather fond of alder aphids, camouflaging itself by gluing on the sucked dry carcasses of it's victims.
Delicately incised leaves give this rare specimen a soft, conifer texture. Medium sized tree to 30' tall. Tolerant of heavy wet soils.

Gardening facts about Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' plant

How to Grow Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Alnus for your garden

aka Alnus sinuata, Green Alder, Western Green Alder

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 10'-40'

Width: 10'-40'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata foliage by Sten Porse
View Plant

aka Black Alder, Common Alder, European Alder

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 40'-60'

Width: 20'-40'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Alnus glutinosa form by Willow
View Plant

More Options

aka Alnus tenuifolia, Grey Alder, Speckled Alder

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 40'-60'

Width: 40'-60'

  • sun - shade
  • standing water - regular
Photo of Alnus incana foliage by Quadell
View Plant

aka White Alder

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 50'-80'

Width: 40'-70'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Alnus rhombifolia catkins, foliage by US National Park Service
View Plant

More Options

aka Alnus metoporina, Seaside Alder

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 15'-30'

Width: 15'-30'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Alnus maritima catkins, foliage by US Department of Agriculture
View Plant
+12 more Alnus
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