italian alder treegift

italian alder (Alnus cordata)

The Italian Alder is not a British native but its glossy dark green leaves, prolific catkins & fruit, lovely shape & speed growth won us over. It was introduced to Britain in 1820 & in our opinion is the finest Alder. It carries its empty fruits, which look like tiny cones, for years so always looks interesting. It can fix nitrogen so is happy in infertile soils, and thrives in the cold & wet (sounds like Britain!) Alders are usually associated with river banks but this one is happy on dryer soils and even thrives on chalk. It needs full sunlight and will not tolerate shade. The timber withstands constant soaking & drying so is used for lock & sluice gates. It also makes the best gunpowder charcoal. It is a medium sized tree, reaching 20m at maturity.

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