Photo of Alnus glutinosa form by Willow

Photo by Willow

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Alnus glutinosa

Also Known As

  • Black Alder
  • Common Alder
  • European Alder

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 40'-60'
  • W: 20'-40'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Alnus glutinosa plant details

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF Alnus glutinosa

Plant type: tree
Plant family: betulaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 20 FT - 40 FT - wide, 40 FT - 60 FT - tall
Uses: street tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Alnus glutinosa

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Once used in the manufacture of clogs, this small-med shrubby-tree still provides good water-side cover or can be used as a shade/street tree in wet soils. Very hardy; many forms have been selected in Europe. S/M-W
Grown for its graceful foliage and suitability for planting in wet areas. A small bushy alder with sticky new growth and dangling yellow catkins in spring beginning before the leaves emerge. Plant in moderately fertile, well-drained evenly moist soil in full sun. An excellent tree planted in groups or drifts.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Alnus glutinosa plant

How to Grow Alnus glutinosa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

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

    • heat tolerant
    • pollution tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • 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 Imperialis Cutleaf European Alder

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 30'-50'

Width: 20'-40'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis' form by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
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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