Alnus cordata
Italian Alder
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Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) - Description
Alnus cordata (Italian Alder) is a species of alder in the family Betulaceae, native to southern Italy (including Sardinia) and Corsica. It is a medium-sized tree growing up to 25 m tall (exceptionally to 28 m), with a trunk up to 70–100 cm diameter. The leaves are deciduous but with a very long season in leaf, from April to December in the Northern Hemisphere; they are alternate, cordate (heart-shaped), rich glossy green, 5–12 cm long, with a finely serrated margin.
Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) - Blooming
Male flowers are tassel-like and yellow that are borne on bare stems. Female flowers produce woody cones. Followed by cone-like fruits.
Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) - Growth
Deciduous trees and shrubsVery fast growing tree that can tolerate full sun or shade. Can reach as tall as 90 ft. tall (A. rhombifolia). Different species have high tolerances for different types of weather: tenuifolia has extreme hardiness to cold, whereas rhombifolia has high tolerance to wind and heat. Alnus is often used in repopulating land because of its tolerance of poor, wet soils. A. cordata, A. incana, and A. rubra are fast-growing trees that are often planted as windbreaks. Some alders grow well when planted near water, such as A. rubra.
Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) - Planting
Propagate from the seed. Sow in a seedbed when seeds are ripe. Can also propagate from hardwood cuttings in winter. Bud during the summer.
Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) - Pest
Tent caterpillars, borers.
Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) - Interesting facts
Alder is found mainly in the New World and south along the Andes towards Argentina. The catkins, or flowers, of Alder are edible, and high in protein, although they have a bitter taste. Alder bark is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. The bark of Alder is also used in manufacturing furniture, electric guitar bodies, and in traditional cooking when smoking fish and meat. Alnus is a fast-growing and tough plant, and can grow in damaged areas such as mining sites. Alders have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that take atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into a soil soluble form. In this way, Alder benefits not only itself, but also other neighboring plants by enhancing the soil fertility around it.
Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) - Soil and irrigation
Needs ample water. Can even tolerate temporary flooding, and grows well near waterways. Does well in medium rich, well-drained to wet soil. A. cordata and A. incana bear dry soils.
