Other Names:  Black Alder, European Alder

Description:

A tall shade or accent tree with delicately cut leaves, good for a change in texture in a landscape; somewhat large tree, not for small landscapes

Ornamental Features

The Cutleaf Common Alder has rich green deciduous foliage on a tree with an oval habit of growth. The deeply cut ferny leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape Attributes

The Cutleaf Common Alder is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

The Cutleaf Common Alder is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

The Cutleaf Common Alder will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 40 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.