Читать книгу Your Wildlife Garden - Jackie Bennett - Страница 35
ALDER
(Alnus glutinosa)
ОглавлениеThe tall-growing native alder is happiest beside a freshwater river or stream, but it is also very adaptable to garden sites. It is particularly useful in cities and towns because of its resistance to air pollution.
| type | Deciduous tree |
| flowers | Catkins appear in late winter/early spring. Male catkins are long and yellow; females are round and purplish |
| height | 10–15m (30–50ft) |
| spread | 3m (10ft) |
| planting | Plant young trees from mid-autumn to early spring |
| site | In a marshy area or at the back of a woodland belt |
| soil | Prefers damp, waterlogged soil |
| care | No special care needed |
| propagation | From seed collected in autumn |
| varieties | A. glutinosa ‘Imperialis’ is smaller and slower growing — more suitable for average-sized gardens |
| wildlife value | There are around ninety insect species associated with alder, including the alder fly and alder moth. As the weather warms up the male catkins open and disperse a cloud of pollen to fertilise the female catkins. In autumn and winter the tree is a good source of seed for siskins, redpolls and other small birds |
