How to identify Black alder (Alnus glutinosa)

How to identify Black alder (Alnus glutinosa)

Black alder, also known as Alder, Common alder

Black alder is a medium-sized tree that typically reaches heights of 50 to 70 feet (15 to 21 meters). It has a rounded canopy with dark green, glossy leaves that are oval to elliptical in shape and have serrated margins. The leaves, along with the stems, are often sticky to the touch when young. Catkins provide a distinctive characteristic, with both male flowers, appearing as elongated clusters, and female flowers that are more rounded. The bark of black alder is grayish-brown with shallow fissures.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Black alder

Distinctive sticky stems with glutinous glands.

Catkins with male and female florets.

Woody cones with winged seeds, persisting through winter.

Oval to elliptical dark green leaves with serrated margins.

Bark transitions from smooth to distinctive plates with shallow furrows.

Detailed Traits of Black alder

Leaf Features

The leaves of black alder are obovate to orbicular-obovate, measuring up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) long and 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) wide. The margins are crenate to dentate and slightly undulated. The upper surface is dark green and mostly smooth, while the underside is pale green and glabrous to slightly hairy along the veins. Young leaves are heavily coated with resin. In fall, the leaves either remain green or turn brown, with some persisting through winter.

Leaf Shape

Circular ,

Obovate ,

Obcordate

Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Cuneate ,

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Emarginate ,

Obtuse

Leaf Margin

Serrate

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Flower Features

The flowers of black alder feature both male and female florets on the same tree. The male florets form clusters of 2-5 catkins, which are 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm) long, reddish-brown, and drooping. The female florets are also reddish-brown and have 2-5 cone-like catkins; they start at 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) but mature to 3/4 to 1 inch (2-2.5 cm) long and 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide. The blooming period is in early spring before leaf emergence, with wind cross-pollination.

Corolla Type

Apetalous

Inflorescence Type

Ament/Catkin

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stems of black alder are smooth and covered with glutinous glands, giving them a sticky texture. During the winter, the stem's color ranges from brown to gray. The stems are typically slender, measuring up to 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) in diameter. Branching is usually alternate, with a slight zigzag pattern. The unique glutinous glands are a key identifying feature of black alder's stems. This sticky quality is especially noticeable in younger, more vigorous growth.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of black alder takes the form of woody cones approximately 3/4 inches (1.9 cm) in length. These cones house numerous winged seeds, which mature and are dispersed in the fall. The coloration is usually a dusky brown, with a firm texture. Post seed release, the cones persist through winter, still clinging to the branches into the subsequent growing season. This characteristic helps distinguish black alder's fruit from other species.

Fruit Type

Samara

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Black alder and Their Similar Plants

Red alder vs. Black alder: What's The Difference?

The red alder, one of the world's largest alders, takes its common name from the vibrant reddish color that emerges in its bruised or scraped bark. The various parts of this tree have multiple uses. Native Americans use the bark of this tree to make dye and medicine. Its wood is used in construction and furniture.

Hazel alder vs. Black alder: What's The Difference?

The hazel alder is a small tree common to the United States. It is slow growing and takes about ten years to reach maturity. It prefers the moist soil of riverbanks and creek beds. This tree or large bush bears fruit that resembles a pinecone.

Manchurian alder vs. Black alder: What's The Difference?

Found in the wild at elevations of 762 m and 1524 m, manchurian alder, is said to be the most drought tolerant Alder and can be transplanted easily. Manchurian alder is used for furniture and as building timber. It also makes for good fuel and charcoal. It has been noted as a nitrogen fixer and utilized to prevent soil erosion.

East Asian alder vs. Black alder: What's The Difference?

The tree height is 15 to 20 m and the diameter is about 60 cm. The male flower ears are a black-brown cylindrical shape that hangs down in a tail shape. The fruits are pine cones and ripen around fall. The leaves are patterned and oval with a length of 5 to 13 cm. There are fine saw blades on the edges.

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Key Facts About Black alder

Attributes of Black alder

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

20 m to 37 m

Spread

6 m to 12 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

Brown

Yellow

Red

Fruit Color

Brown

Green

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Scientific Classification of Black alder

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Beeches, walnuts, and allied trees

Family

Birch

Genus

Alders

Species

Black alder (Alnus glutinosa)

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Distribution Map of Black alder

Black alder has a wide natural distribution across temperate areas of Europe, the western portions of Asia, and certain regions of North Africa. Beyond its native range, black alder has been introduced to parts of South America, the Indian subcontinent, and East Asia. In terms of cultivation, black alder is also grown in various locales where it may not naturally occur. While it has established itself in some areas outside its native range, such as North America and New Zealand, black alder is sometimes thought to be a species that may have an impact on ecosystems. Regardless, its cultivation continues, both within its native expanses and beyond.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Black alder

A Comprehensive Guide to Black alder How to Grow and Care for Black alder