Alnus cordata - Italian Alder

A handsome, fast-growing large tree, sometimes seen in parks and gardens, the Italian Alder is often regarded as the finest of the species. Native to southern Italy, the Italian Alder has an attractive conical shape, providing good winter interest, and glossy leaves. Its tolerance of both a wide range of soils and of urban pollution makes it a useful tree for the reclamation of derelict sites as well as a specimen tree for parks and woodland.

Site and soil

Tolerant of a wide range of soils, including chalk, the Italian Alder also does well on compacted urban sites and derelict land. It copes well with pollution in towns, and its resistance to wind makes it useful for screening and hedges.

Height and spread

After 10 years: 9m x 5m
After 20 years: 16m x 6m

Leaf and bark

Deciduous, dark green glossy, heart-shaped leaves, 4cm long. The bark is smooth and grey, with short vertical cracks.

Flower, seed and fruit

The yellow-brown male catkins are the longest of all the alders (7.5 – 10cm) and are borne in groups of 3-6 between February and April before the leaves appear. The hard green fruits are 2.5cm long, ripening to brown ‘cones’ which remain on the trees over winter.

Uses

The Italian Alder makes an excellent specimen tree in parks, large gardens, woodland and towns, where it copes well with pollution and compacted soil. It is also useful for windbreaks and planting in coastal areas, and for large, wind-tolerant hedges. Good for reclaiming derelict and brownfield sites.

Wildlife

The catkins of Italian Alder provide early pollen for insects and the over-wintering cones are a good food source for birds.