SafePlants

Alnus pendula: The Weeping Japanese Alder

Explore the fascinating characteristics of Alnus pendula, commonly known as the Weeping Japanese Alder.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a tree.
• This tree has drooping branches.

Scientific Name and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Alnus pendula
• Common Name: Weeping Japanese Alder, Japanese Shrub Alder
• Species Authority: Matsum. (Jinz Matsumura)
• Synonyms:
  • Alnus firma var. multinervis Regel
  • Alnus multinervis (Regel) Callier
• Taxonomic Tree:
  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Spermatophyta
  • Subphylum: [Not Specified]
• Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)
• Genus: Alnus (Alder)
• Group: Dicot

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Japan.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Small to average-sized tree with an upright trunk and drooping branches, creating a weeping form.
• Leaves are long with eighteen to twenty-four pairs of veins and conspicuously double-toothed.

Ecological Role

• Can be grown in mixture with Betula pendula and Fagus sylvatica

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Bark extract shows antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Quirky Facts

• Six C31-secodammarane-type triterpenoid saponins, in addition to alnustic acid, have been isolated from the male flowers of Alnus pendula.
• Alnustone, a specific compound, has been isolated from the male flower of Alnus pendula.
• Alnus pendula extract is effectively used in foods and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing and treating certain conditions.

Additional Information

• USDA Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN).
• International Plant Names Index (IPNI).
• The Plant List.
• iNaturalist.org
• NatureWatch NZ