Product Description

Black Alder – Alnus glutinosa

Black alder fixes more atmospheric nitrogen per acre than almost any other US native. Considered invasive by some, alder is an easily grown nitrogen fixing tree that readily improves the surrounding soil by adding organic matter form leaf drop, and by working with rhizomial bacteria below ground.

These fast growing trees require decent moisture levels, and are well suited to waterlogged or damp sites. Black alder timber is very valuable, and is often used in below water applications, such as docks and the foundations of many buildings in Venice, Italy.

Most parts of the plant are high in tannin, and alders are often used for dental hygienic purposes such as mouth gargles and tooth picks/chewing sticks.

Black alder is a good plant for food forests as a support species or pioneer tree. It also has potential as a hedgerow species, or in alley cropping systems with grains and vegetable production.

25 seeds.

photo: Black alder in the Trompenburg Arboretum C. Ester Westerveld

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