Black alder
Alnus glutinosa
Resilient and multifunctional - a powerful ally in restoring landscapes.
A tough and rapidly growing deciduous tree.
Mature height: 20-25m. Reaching 4-5m in first 5 years
Growing conditions: Thrives in wet, compacted, or poor soils and salt winds, clay soils
Uses: Shelterbelts, riparian zones, erosion control, windbreaks, and as a support species in regenerative systems.and food forest edges.
This nitrogen-fixing pioneer improves degraded land, stabilises soil, and boosts fertility. Its leaves, bark, and catkins can feed livestock, while its timber and coppiced poles provide fuel, mulch, or structural material.
A perfect species for coppice, take its first harvest within 5 years. With straight , long and ground durable regrowth, it's quite rot resistant, and a valued timber resource for fencing and other outdoor building projects. When coppiced, it also provides a consistent source of firewood, (mix with gum or hazel for a better quality burn). It makes excellent charcoal, and gives a lovely flavor to smoked fish.
The bark, young leaves in spring, and fresh catkins from late winter to early spring, have extensive medicinal uses, including skin and wound healing, sore throats and oral health, mouth ulcers and gum infections (as a gargle), digestive support, immune support and fever.The flowers can produce a green dye for colouring fabrics.
A perfect species for coppice, take its first harvest within 5 years. With straight , long and ground durable regrowth, it's quite rot resistant, and a valued timber resource for fencing and other outdoor building projects. When coppiced, it also provides a consistent source of firewood, (mix with gum or hazel for a better quality burn). It makes excellent charcoal, and gives a lovely flavor to smoked fish.
The bark, young leaves in spring, and fresh catkins from late winter to early spring, have extensive medicinal uses, including skin and wound healing, sore throats and oral health, mouth ulcers and gum infections (as a gargle), digestive support, immune support and fever.The flowers can produce a green dye for colouring fabrics.
Current stock approx 80cm-1m in PB 3 bags (1.8L)
3 Pack deal - $50.00
Shelterbelt spacing: for a single row shelterbelt, plant at 1.5m spacing. Space double row shelterbelts at 2m, staggering placement.
Pairs well with Swamp Gum in a shelterbelt, providing a balance of deciduous and evergreen cover.
Pairs well with Swamp Gum in a shelterbelt, providing a balance of deciduous and evergreen cover.
Site & Soil Preferences:
- Prefers deep, well-drained, loamy soils but tolerates clay and heavier soils once established.
- Thrives in full sun and handles damp winter conditions if drainage is reasonable.
- Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils; avoid very dry, shallow sites.
Uses:
- Ideal for erosion control, riparian planting, and windbreaks on damp ground.
- Excellent nurse tree for establishing mixed plantings or shelterbelts.
- Useful in regenerative systems to build fertility and structure.
Growth Rate:
- Fast; 1–1.5 m per year in good conditions.
- Can reach 20–25 m tall; responds well to coppicing and pruning.