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Characteristics
and Uses:
The
Alnus glutinosa is widely used to support river banks. Its root
systems creates an underground supportive mesh. One adult tree can
stabilize up to 6 metres of river bank. Its roots also have the
particularity of retaining the nitrogen contained in the soil. On
the edge of agricultural land, as with other ripisylve varieties,
the Alnus glutinosa reduces the washing out of nitrogen in to
neighbouring rivers. The Alnus glutinosa is best planted next to
river banks, when replanting or creating wooded areas, mixed with
willow trees and other moisture loving trees. In valleys, it can be
used in areas too damp for poplar trees. It needs a great deal of
water and can survive flooding. Its tender wood is used for
woodturning.
List of Alders:
Grey alder (Alnus incana),
grey upturn of the leaves, can be planted in poor soil
Italian alder (Alnus cordifolia)
Red alder (Alnus rubra),
can be planted in very wet areas |
