Photo of Alnus japonica foliage by Forestfarm

Photo by Forestfarm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Alnus japonica

Also Known As

  • Japanese Alder

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 50'-80'
  • W: 25'-45'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

Alnus japonica plant details

Alnus japonica is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring chartreuse and green flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Alnus japonica

Plant type: tree
Plant family: betulaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 25 FT - 45 FT - wide, 50 FT - 80 FT - tall
Flowers: chartreuse and green blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Alnus japonica

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

"A striking species" (Hillier) this med-large (50-80') pyramidal tree is unique because of its glossy foliage, tapered at both ends, and its clusters of upright 2-3" male catkins in spring. S/M-W

Gardening facts about Alnus japonica plant

How to Grow Alnus japonica

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • chartreuse
    • green
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Alnus for your garden

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
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More Options

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
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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
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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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