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European alder
Scientific Name: Alnus glutinosa
Family: Betulaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
The common alder, known scientifically as Alnus glutinosa, is a deciduous tree prized for its rapid growth and adaptability, particularly in wet environments. Native to Europe, it has also been introduced to other parts of the world.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that the European alder has sticky young buds.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions that the European alder has sticky young buds.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Alnus glutinosa
- Common Names: Common alder, black alder, European alder, English Alder, Scottish Alder, Irish Alder, Welsh Alder.
- Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)
- Synonyms: Alnus alnus (L.) Britton
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to most of Europe, Russia (including Siberia), and western Asia.
- Found throughout Europe to North Africa.
- Prefers moist to wet soils and is commonly found in wet places.
- Introduced to North America and has escaped from cultivation in some areas.
Ecological Role
- Alders are unusual among European trees because they fix nitrogen in the soil.
- European black alder has invasive traits that enable it to spread aggressively in certain regions. It may be listed on official invasive species lists in some areas.
Morphological Characteristics
- A deciduous tree that can grow to 25 meters (82 feet) in height and 10 meters (32 feet) in width.
- Fast-growing, especially when young.
- Typically develops a single trunk with an oval-headed crown. In some instances is multi-stemmed high
- Leaves are alternate, simple, oval to orbicular, and toothed.
- Young buds are sticky.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Studies have been conducted on the effects of bacteria (Pseudomonas and Bacillus) isolated from the alder rhizosphere on plant growth.
- Susceptible to the European alder spittlebug (Aphrophora alni).
- The text references the susceptibility of three European alder species to Phytophthora alni, noting that grey alder (A. incana) exhibits more resistance.
Traditional Uses
- The European Alder is said to be an effective antiseptic to treat many health conditions, especially flu symptoms.
Further Resources
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Alnus glutinosa.
- USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program.
- Burns RM, Honkala BH, eds. Silvics of North America: 2. Hardwoods. Agriculture Handbook 654.