Italian Alder
Alnus cordata
A rapidly growing, deciduous tree reaching up to 20–30m.4-5m in its first five years.
Thrives in tough conditions - from poor soils, heavy clay, coastal conditions, extended dry spells and high winds. With its strong, upright, conical shape and heart - shaped leaf, it makes an attractive specimen tree, and is ideal for windbreaks, shelter belts, erosion control, feed for pollinators, and as a hardy support species in food forests.
Native to southern Europe, it enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation and leaf litter, fostering a living mulch effect beneath, providing quick shelter and improving fertility for surrounding plants.
Highly suitable for coppicing, it produces dense, clean-burning firewood and can be managed as a renewable source of fuel or biomass. Italian Alder is an excellent choice for homesteads and farms wanting to build shelter, fertility, and productivity while supporting biodiversity.
As a nitrogen fixer, it improves soil health and supports pasture productivity. Leaves, catkins, and prunings provide high-protein fodder for livestock, either fresh or stored like hay. It responds well to coppicing every 2–3 years, making it a valuable source of mulch, firewood, or biomass.
In PB3 bags (1.7L), average current height 40cm
LIMITED STOCK LEFT
Resilient, multi-purpose, and low maintenance - Italian Alder is a backbone species for regenerative systems.
Site & Soil Preferences:
- Prefers well-drained to moderately moist soils; tolerates light clay and limestone.
- Thrives in full sun, wind-tolerant, and handles dry conditions better than most alders.
- Nitrogen-fixing species that enriches and stabilises soil.
Uses:
- Excellent choice for shelterbelts, hedgerows, and erosion control on drier slopes.
- Useful for timber, coppicing, or as a fast-growing windbreak.
- Often used to establish structure quickly while slower species mature.
Growth Rate:
- Fast; 1–2 m per year when young.
- Matures around 20–25 m, with a tall, upright habit.