Common alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a tree that can grow higher than 15m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Common alder (Alnus glutinosa).
This plant has several common names including: common alder, aar, aller, black alder or European alder.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: common alder, aar, aller, black alder, European alder
Scientific name: Alnus glutinosa
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: Higher than 15m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Poorly drained
Garden type: Coastal, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Hedging & Screens, Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Common alder (Alnus glutinosa) – Bruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Common alder (Alnus glutinosa), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Common alder (Alnus glutinosa) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, clay or loam.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Alnus glutinosa likes to grow in moist but well drained or humid or poorly drained soils.
Sunlight
Common alder (Alnus glutinosa) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Common alder (Alnus glutinosa) – Giovanni Caudullo, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
