Noted for its ability to thrive in poor, wet conditions but is also tolerant of dry and coastal soils, Alnus incana is a fast-growing conical tree, to 20m, with dark-green leaves, grey-white and hairy beneath. Emerging before the leaves, yellow-brown male catkins in pendent clusters are produced in late winter and early spring followed by brown cone-like fruits.
How to care for Alnus incana:
Grey alder tends to develop as a multi-stemmed tree, so if a standard tree is required, select and train a single main stem, removing all lateral branches up to 1.5-2m (5-6ft) from the ground between the autumn leaf-fall and mid-winter.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
20m
Eventual spread:
10m
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.