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gray alder

Scientific Name: Alnus incana ssp. incana

Family: Betulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Grey Alder (Alnus incana)

Alnus incana, commonly known as grey alder or speckled alder, is a deciduous tree or large shrub belonging to the Birch family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that the bark of Speckled Alder is speckled with pores called lenticels. It is important to check that pets are not chewing or ingesting the bark.

Considerations for Children

  • Alnus incana is noted for forming dense thickets. Children should be supervised when exploring areas where this plant grows.
  • The text mentions the plant has doubly toothed leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Alnus incana (L.) Moench
  • Common Names: Grey Alder, Speckled Alder, European Gray Alder, Hazel Alder, Hoary Alder, Mountain Alder, Tag Alder
  • Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)
  • Synonyms: Alnus incana ssp. rugosa (Du Roi) J. Clausen, Arnus incana spp. rugosa
  • Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (e.g., Alnus incana subsp. incana, Alnus incana subspecies rugosa)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Common between the Alps and the Urals.
  • Native to mainland Europe, Russia, and the Caucasus.
  • European gray alder (Alnus incana subsp. incana) is native to western Europe.
  • Often found bordering streams, rivers, and mountain springs, on moist lowlands, and in swamps.
  • Introduced in North America and can be found as an escape.

Ecological Role

  • Often planted as a pioneer plant in landfills and waste dumps, and for fixing escarpments.
  • Used to reclaim derelict land and spoil heaps.
  • Can be invasive in some regions.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous tree or large shrub, typically growing to 3–15 m (10–50 ft), but can reach 18 m (59 ft) or even 40-60 ft tall.
  • Can grow as a tree with one or several trunks.
  • Often forms very dense thickets.
  • Fast-growing.
  • Hardy to zone (UK) 2.
  • Flowers from February to March.
  • Bark is thin and speckled with pores (lenticels).
  • Speckled Alder is a fast-growing, low, clump-forming shrub that can develop a single trunk for a small tree.
  • Leaves are toothed.

Quirky Facts

  • The speckled appearance of the bark is due to lenticels, which are spongy openings for gas exchange.
  • The bark has been historically used in tanning and dyeing.
  • The wood is rot-resistant.

Additional Information

  • The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Alnus incana.
  • Leafsnap is an electronic field guide for trees with images of the Gray Alder's leaf, flower, fruit, seed, petiole, and bark.