European Alder

Alnus glutinosa

Description 10

This species was introduced from Europe and should not be confused with native alders. The leaf, flower, and fruit are similar to the native shrub alders found along the streams of the Northeast. Black alder is a tree that can grow 60-70 feet tall. The leaf is smooth, 3-5 inches long, with a serrated margin. Small, winged seed is produced in little woody cone-like fruits. The bark is dark brown, with prominent warty strips.

Management 11

All trees and shrubs respond very strongly to effective control of weeds and sod. Mechanical or chemical controls are acceptable as long as they are used according to the label. Failure to control sod will result in growth reduced by 50% or more.

Taxon biology 12

Betulaceae -- Birch family

    David T. Funk

    European alder (Alnus glutinosa), also called black alder  or European black alder, was introduced to eastern North America  in colonial times. This tree ranges in size from a large shrub to  a large tree. It has escaped cultivation and grows naturally on  lowlying lands. Its rapid growth, tolerance for acid soils, and  nitrogen-fixing role make European alder desirable for  shelterbelts, reclamation areas, landscapes, and biomass  production. It is valuable to wildlife for providing good cover  and a source of seeds.

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) anonymous, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/photos/bl_alder2.jpg
  2. (c) AnneTanne, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/78746377@N00/3315525889
  3. (c) Rob Curtis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Rob Curtis
  4. (c) Biopix, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.biopix.com/PhotosMedium/JCS%20Alnus%20glutinosa%2021077.jpg
  5. (c) Biopix, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.biopix.com/PhotosMedium/Alnus%20glutinosa%2000012.JPG
  6. (c) bryonys, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
  7. (c) jonbouton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by jonbouton
  8. (c) Matthew Salkiewicz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Matthew Salkiewicz
  9. (c) Biopix, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.biopix.com/PhotosMedium/JCS%20Alnus%20glutinosa%2051319.JPG
  10. Public Domain, http://eol.org/data_objects/1377125
  11. Public Domain, http://eol.org/data_objects/1377128
  12. (c) Unknown, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://eol.org/data_objects/22778044

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