Alnus cordata aka Italian Alder

Taxonomy

Alnus cordata, also known as the Italian alder, is a deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Betulaceae family. It is native to the southern Apennine Mountains in Italy and the northeastern mountains of Corsica. The tree has been introduced in various regions, including Sicily, Sardinia, Central-Northern Italy, and other European and extra-European countries such as Chile and New Zealand. This medium-sized tree can grow up to 25 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of 70-100 centimeters. It has glossy, deep green leaves that are heart-shaped and finely serrated, remaining on the tree from April to December. The tree produces reddish, pendulous male catkins that are up to 10 centimeters long. Pollination occurs in early spring before the leaves emerge. The female catkins are ovoid and mature into dark green to brown, woody cones that resemble conifer cones. The tree disperses small winged seeds throughout the winter, while the old cones remain on the tree for up to a year. Alnus cordata is known for its tolerance to pollution, dry soils, and poor site conditions, making it a versatile tree for landscaping. It can thrive in poor soils, compacted areas, and even coastal regions. The tree is also resistant to wind, making it suitable for use in screening and windbreaks. Additionally, like other Alnus species, Alnus cordata has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air. Overall, Alnus cordata is prized for its shiny green foliage, long season in leaf, and adaptability to various environments. It is a valuable tree for both aesthetic and functional purposes in landscaping projects.

Common names

Italian Alder, Alder Of Corsica, Hartbladige Els

How to care for Italian Alder

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Italian Alder due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Italian Alder should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Italian Alder requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Hartbladige Els, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Italian Alder will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Italian Alder thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Hartbladige Els.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Italian Alder’s native range is Europe - S. Italy, Corsica.


More info:
Wikipedia