Alnus subcordata

RHS Plant Profile
Caucasian alder
Trees

A fast-growing, medium-sized, conical tree with glossy, mid-green, broadly heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Fissured brown-grey bark provides all-year-round interest and it produces long, hanging male catkins and short, upright, female ones followed by woody fruit. Tolerates poor or wet soils

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Betulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Alnus are vigorous deciduous trees and large shrubs with rounded leaves and often conspicuous catkins in winter
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Iran, Transcaucasus

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, but tolerates a range of conditions including poor drainage. Can make a fast-growing screen on wet sites

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to alder sucker, alder leaf beetle and leaf-mining sawflies

Diseases

May be susceptible to phytophthora root rots and honey fungus