alder

Alnus glutinosa

• Grey-brown bark with a network of shallow fissures
   
• Very rounded, dark green, shiny leaves
   
• Male and female catkins, the latter look like miniature cones
   

Where found

Germinates particularly where soils are seasonally waterlogged. It is often found beside streams. Its seeds actually float and are distributed by streams to germinate in muddy banks.
 

When to look for

• Leaves in April/May
   

Did you know?

• Nodules on roots which contain bacteria that 'fix' nitrogen make it a valuable species for enriching poor ground
  
  
• Alder wood was used to build the underpinnings for Venice as it does not rot in water
  
  
• The twigs, bark and buds are used in traditional Norwegian brewing to colour and flavour beer