Black Alder is a nice tree in all seasons, but is mostly admired in the winter, because you will see numerous kinds of wildlife feeding on seeds that rely on this tree for food in the winter.
Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
What kind of tree has hands?
- A palm tree!
Did you know?
- Early settlers would eat the bark and leaves of the tree for bleeding, sore throat, fever, swelling, constipation, and arthritis
- It is sometimes used today as a gargle for a sore throat—especially strep throat
- The wood is used in carvings for small objects
- The tree is used for reclamation of strip mines because it grows rapidly and helps control erosion
Common Names:
- Black Alder
- Common Alder
- European Black Alder
Wildlife Benefits:
- Aphids are attracted to it, which is food for the larvae of our carnivorous butterfly, called the Harvester
- Tiger swallowtail, Pallid Tiger Swallowtail, White Admiral, Green Comma, and Mourning Cloak also rely on alder for larval food
- Birds use it for nesting and shelter
- Birds and small mammals eat the seeds
- Deer feed on the leaves and twigs
Habitat:
- Woodlands
Size:
- 40-60' tall, with a crown width of 20-30'
Growing Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Moist, well-drained soil
Select Identification Characteristics:
- Leaf Type: Simple
- Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
- Bud Arrangement: Alternate
- Terminal Bud: Single
