Common Alder
Alnus glutinosa
Also listed as Alnus vulgaris, Betula glutinosa
Also known as European Alder, European Black Alder, Black Alder
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Alder grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A fast-growing deciduous tree native to Europe that thrives in wet conditions and has distinctive catkins in early spring. Valuable for nitrogen fixation and wildlife, particularly in riparian or boggy settings.
Why grow it
Common alder fixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic root nodules, making it useful for improving soil fertility in riparian restoration or pioneer plantings without added inputs. It establishes rapidly in wet soils where many other nitrogen-fixing trees struggle, and provides early-season pollen and catkins for wildlife. For comparable nitrogen fixation in wet sites, black alder generally outperforms most other temperate alders in productivity.
Watch out for
Common alder has brittle wood that is prone to storm damage and branch breakage, particularly as trees mature or in exposed sites. The extensive root system and prolific seed production mean established trees can be difficult to remove; plan accordingly if the location may need future land use changes. Like many riparian trees, alder can clog drainage systems and ditches if planted near built infrastructure.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Betulaceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fast-growing deciduous tree native to Europe that thrives in wet conditions and has distinctive catkins in early spring. Valuable for nitrogen fixation and wildlife, particularly in riparian or boggy settings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Alder grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Common alder fixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic root nodules, making it useful for improving soil fertility in riparian restoration or pioneer plantings without added inputs. It establishes rapidly in wet soils where many other nitrogen-fixing trees struggle, and provides early-season pollen and catkins for wildlife. For comparable nitrogen fixation in wet sites, black alder generally outperforms most other temperate alders in productivity.
Watch out for
Common alder has brittle wood that is prone to storm damage and branch breakage, particularly as trees mature or in exposed sites. The extensive root system and prolific seed production mean established trees can be difficult to remove; plan accordingly if the location may need future land use changes. Like many riparian trees, alder can clog drainage systems and ditches if planted near built infrastructure.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Betulaceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.