Italian Alder Large Trees

Alnus cordata: Italian Alder, Standard Size Trees

These tidy trees have a fairly narrow canopy, tapering to a point at the top. Their glossy leaves look lovely in the sun and are among the last to fall in Autumn. In early spring, Italian Alder produces round female cones and long yellow male catkins, which provide pollen for bees. They are superb windbreak trees.

Alnus cordata is very vigorous: in ideal conditions, young trees can grow over a metre a year when established. It will usually grow to around 20 metres tall, but 30 is possible.

Standard trees are the largest size that we deliver; you can buy younger Italian Alder saplings. Browse our variety of alder trees or our full range of garden trees.

Features:

• Attractive yellow catkins in spring, good for early bees
• Very vigorous, with a suckering habit
• Grows on practically any soil, wet or dry
• Fixes nitrogen in the soil
• Good windbreak
• To 20-30 metres
• RHS Award of Garden Merit

Growing Italian Alder

It loves wet, heavy clay, but is incredibly versatile and will grow on dry, chalky terrain too. Unlike its cousins, it is a good choice for shallow topsoils over rocky terrain. It will grow quite close to the coast.
None of the Alders like shade, but you can plant young trees in partial shade if they will grow up into full sun within a couple of years.

Note: Alders have invasive roots that can break old water pipes and damage the foundations of old buildings or walls. 15 metres away from vulnerable structures is a safe distance to plant Alder. New build, concrete foundations are not at risk.