Grey Alder – Alnus incana (Bare Rooted)

Description

Grey Alder, Alnus incana, is a very useful small tree. It  grows in areas where other species would not thrive and can reach up to twenty metres tall. The tree likes to grow alongside streams and around ponds and can easily be confused with black alder, Alnus glutinosa. They both grow in a similar environment in terms of moisture and the leaves are pretty similar to each other. I think Alnus incana has more of a point on the end of its leaf it is also a little softer to touch. The grey alder has smooth grey bark and produces catkins, usually just as the leaves come. It hates to be in the shade. and has the ability to colonise steep gravelly banks so is ideal for stopping erosion. It is also a useful tree in parks and gardens and is a good source of food for caterpillars. It is being used more and more in agroforestry due to the fact that its roots have nitrogen fixing nodules. The leafy branches can also be grazed by farm stock. It will grow well in most soil types and is ideal for medium to large gardens.