Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
Nearly all of continental Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland are native home to alder. Its native habitat is damp ground near lakes, ponds, and rivers. It grows well in cool, damp places like marshes, damp forests, and streams where its roots stop soil erosion.
The size of each plant is between 15 – 50cm in height from the root plug.
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Product Description
Common Alder, known botanically as Alnus glutinosa, is a medium to large deciduous tree, native to the UK and much of Europe. Valued for its rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing ability, and adaptability to wet conditions, the Common Alder is a vital species in riparian habitats, often found along rivers, ponds, and wetlands. Its glossy green leaves, catkins, and distinctive woody cones provide year-round interest, making it a versatile choice for both ecological and ornamental planting.
Common Alder is a robust and low-maintenance tree that thrives in a variety of challenging conditions, particularly in wet soils where other species may struggle. It requires minimal care once established, though young trees benefit from watering during dry periods. Pruning is rarely necessary, but it can be carried out in late winter to maintain shape or remove dead or damaged branches. Alder's natural resilience makes it suitable for urban environments and polluted areas.
Common Alder is particularly well-suited for planting in wet or waterlogged soils, making it an excellent choice for riverbanks, ponds, and floodplains. It is often used in reforestation projects, wetland restoration, and as a pioneer species in challenging sites. The tree's nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil fertility, benefiting surrounding plants. Additionally, its timber is valued for its durability in water, commonly used in construction, fencing, and furniture. Its dense foliage also provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.Characteristics:
- Height: 15m – 25m
- Spread: 6m – 10m
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Thrives in moist to wet soils; tolerant of poor, waterlogged, and compacted soils
- Leaves: Rounded, glossy green leaves with a slightly sticky texture, turning yellow in autumn
- Flowers: Yellow-brown catkins (male) and smaller red catkins (female) appear in early spring
- Cones: Small, woody cones develop in autumn, persisting on the tree through winter
- Bark: Smooth, dark grey bark that becomes more fissured with age
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Our Commitment
Our trees are planted, grown and cared for on site. This means, once the seeds are delivered to us we plant them, establish them in our polytunnels and then harden them off. The trees you are delivered have been with us since seed and we look after them until the moment they leave.
Every tree is handpicked and packaged with the utmost care and attention to ensure your trees are delivered fighting fit to help against climate change.
For more information, please visit the About Us page
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Deliveries
All postage and packaging charges for products delivered to the Mainland UK are included within the price. Additional charges apply for Northern Ireland, The Highlands & Scottish Isles, The Channel Islands, Scilly Isles & Isle of Man when ordering more than 8 trees.
As a guide, orders for 8 plants or more will be sent via a courier, 8 plants or fewer will be sent by Royal Mail.
For more information, please visit the Delivery page
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Refunds
Your happiness is our business and that is why we individually check every single tree that we send out. If you have a concern about your tree, please get in touch with us within 7 days so that we can diagnose the issue. Very rarely, we might ask you to send the tree back to us in secure packaging to help us identify the issue but often we can identify the issue with photographs.
For more information, please visit the Refunds page
