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Alnus cordata
  • RHS AGM

Italian alder

A vigorous deciduous medium-sized tree with shiny deep green leaves. Male catkins yellow, to 10cm in length. Fruit 2.5cm in length, cone-like

Synonyms
Alnus tiliacea hort. Ex. Rehd.
Alnus cordifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Brown
Autumn Green
Winter Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Betulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Alnus are vigorous deciduous trees and large shrubs with rounded leaves and often conspicuous catkins in winter

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Corsica & S Italy

How to grow

Cultivation

This genus is noted for its ability to thrive in poor, wet conditions and is widely used in land reclamation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to alder sucker and leaf-mining sawflies

Diseases

May be susceptible to Phytophthora and honey fungus

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