Italian Alder Tree (Alnus Cordata)

The Italian Alder tree (Alnus Cordata) is a vigorous deciduous broadleaf alder tree native to southern Italy and Corsica, widely planted in the UK for its fast growth, adaptability, and strong ornamental appeal. Distinguished from other alder trees by its glossy, heart-shaped dark green leaves and attractive conical upright habit, Italian Alder trees perform well across a wide range of sites including poor, wet, and heavy soils. Long yellow male catkins appear in late winter providing early seasonal interest, and small cone-like fruits follow through summer and into autumn. A reliable nitrogen fixer, Italian Alder actively improves soil fertility wherever it is planted.

Hardy across the UK and tolerant of both exposed and sheltered positions, Italian Alder trees are a low-maintenance choice for hedging, screening, and fast-growing windbreaks on wet and challenging ground.

Widely used in land reclamation and wetland restoration, Italian Alder trees thrive in poor, wet conditions and fix nitrogen, making them a practical choice for conservation and environmental improvement planting.