Alder

Alnus glutinosa

Height 15-25 m, bole up to 1 m diameter. Deciduous. Conical shape with regular branches. Bark is rough and often sprouts shoots. Leaves are rounded and alternate, sometimes notched at the tip, 4-10 x 3-7 cm. Nodules on the roots contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The wood was used for clogs.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Widespread throughout most of Europe. Thrives in wet ground, lining banks of rivers and streams.

What's its life cycle or behaviour pattern?

Male and female catkins grow on the same tree. Buds are stacked with green fruits, ripening in spring. Felamel cones lengthen to 1-1.5 cm, becoming black and woody, staying on the tree all winter, opening to shed nutlets.

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