Plant species

black alder Alnus glutinosa

Betulaceae

Species information

Description

A woody plant with toothed leaves and unisexual flowers arranged in catkins. A characteristic tree of wet and waterlogged habitats and a typical late stage of succession towards alder woodland.

Plant traits

Growth form

tree

Life cycle

perennial

Height

500–2500 cm

Typical season

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Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

wetlands · riparian habitats · forest

Light

full sun · partial shade

Moisture

wet

Soil

indifferent

Substrate

alluvial

Pollination

wind pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

Black alder lives in symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing Frankia bacteria in root nodules, enriching wet soils with nitrogen.

LifeSystems

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