How to identify Manchurian alder (Alnus hirsuta)
Manchurian alder, also known as Siberian alder
Manchurian alder is characterized by its upright, deciduous form with a low canopy. This medium-sized tree has smooth gray bark and coarse hairs on the stems. The foliage is dark green, and in spring, it produces dangling catkins before leaf emergence. Come fall, it bears brown cone-like fruits. The leaves of manchurian alder are distinctive, providing a helpful feature for identification. Measuring the tree at maturity, one could expect it to reach heights of approximately 49 to 82 feet (15 to 25 meters).
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Ovate glossy green leaves with doubly toothed margins, measuring 2.5 × 5 inches (6.3 × 12.7 cm).
Small woody cones, 3/4 inches (1.9 cm) long with winged seeds, persisting through winter.
Female catkins releasing seeds in fall, male catkins drooping, purplish, up to 4 inches (10 cm) long.
Gray bark with coarse hairs, smooth on the stem, evolving to a medium-sized, deciduous tree.
Distinctive upright form, low canopy, reaching heights around 49 to 82 feet (15 to 25 meters).
The leaves of manchurian alder are glossy green, ovate in shape with a rounded base, and have doubly toothed margins. Measuring approximately 2.5 × 5 inches (6.3 × 12.7 cm) in both length and width, the upper surface is slightly hairy. The underside is downy with a reddish-brown color along the midribs and veins. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow. These leaves may drop off or wither on the tree during winter.
The flowers of manchurian alder form in catkins, with the male catkins being long, purplish in color, and drooping. These catkins can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. The blooming period for manchurian alder flowers occurs from March to April, before the leaves emerge. The florets are wind-pollinated. The female catkins remain on the tree throughout the summer and release seeds in the fall.
The stem of manchurian alder is distinguished by its gray color and is initially covered with fine hairs, giving it a slightly fuzzy texture. As the stem matures, it generally becomes smooth. The winter buds on the stem are egg-shaped, hairy, and exhibit a purplish hue. The stem is characterized by its branching pattern, which tends to be evenly distributed and structured. These features make it identifiable for plant enthusiasts.
The fruit of manchurian alder manifests as small woody cones, approximately 3/4 inches (1.9 cm) in length and 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in diameter. These compact cones house winged seeds, designed to disperse in the fall once they reach maturity. Throughout the winter months, the persistent cones remain attached to the tree, creating a distinctive appearance against the barren landscape. With the arrival of the next growing season, the cycle begins anew as the cones prepare to release their seeds.
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Scientific Classification of Manchurian alder
