Catkins on Alder branch (Alnus glutinosa) male and female flowers

Alnus glutinosa, the common alder, black alder, European alder or just alder, is a species of tree in the family Betulaceae, native to most of Europe, southwest Asia and northern Africa.

It thrives in wet locations where its association with the bacterium Frankia alni enables it to grow in poor quality soils. It is a medium size, short-lived tree growing to a height of up to 30 metres (100 ft).

It has short-stalked rounded leaves and separate male and female flower in the form of catkins. The small, rounded fruits are cone-like and the seeds are dispersed by wind and water.

The common alder provides food and shelter to wildlife, with a number of insects, lichens and fungi being completely dependent on the tree. It is a pioneer species, colonising vacant land and forming mixed forests as other trees appear in its wake. Eventually common alder dies out of woodlands because the seedlings need more light than is available on the forest floor. Its more usual habitat is forest edges, swamps and riverside corridors.

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Content by: Veldkijker (producent);Willem Berents (camera);Stichting Natuurbeelden
Publication Date: 1 January 2012

Description (more): A tip from a branch of the Alder with leaves and catkins. Now, on to the leaves and the kittens in the following frames. First there is above all to see male catkins, afterwards a branch with a single female in development. Next is the journal of the Black Alder full screen. Composite clip.

[sunnyokunuga]

Hi i would like to know more about this tree, can you help.