Alder (Alnus) is a deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Birch family. Grows in the forest belt of temperate climatic latitudes. A large accumulation of wild plantings of alder trees is located in the northern regions, but some of the species also grow in the territory of South American and Asian countries.
The alder tree prefers to inhabit mixed forests, where moist nutrient substrate predominates. Safely neighbors with oaks, beech. In scientific sources, the plant is designated "Alnus", and translated - "near the coast." It is not for nothing that many species of alder grow along the shores of various reservoirs. The popular names of alder are "leshinnik", "olekh" and "elshina". The tree is highly valued for wood and has a number of medicinal properties. The cultivated species of this representative of the Berezovs will be an excellent addition to other inhabitants of the garden. Alder has found application in the woodworking industry and folk medicine.
Alder description
Depending on the age, alder can look like a shrub or a tree. The rhizome of this perennial is well developed and located near the surface, so large specimens lose their stability in strong gusts of wind. As they grow older, swellings form on the root layers, which are filled with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Bacteria are responsible for absorbing and recycling nitrogen from the atmosphere. As a result, the soil is enriched. The bark of shoots with a round cross-section is colored gray-brown. In areas where young branches are formed, even wrinkles appear. The bark of new shoots is lined with small triangular or heart-shaped lenticels.
Oval leaf blades have rounded ends and serrated edges. The side of the leaf is smooth, wrinkles are felt only in the middle of the veins. The leaves are arranged in regular order and are attached to small petioles. Branches quickly lose their stipules.
Unisexual inflorescences begin to bloom in May. The stamens are concentrated on the tops of the shoots and are located inside the long, caterpillar-like flowers-catkins, painted in a brownish or yellowish tint. Earrings, consisting of pistillate flowers, look like short spikelets, and are located at the bottom of the shoot. Alder is covered with inflorescences simultaneously with the appearance of foliage.
The pollination process is carried out by the wind. Ripe fruits look like tiny cones, consisting of gritty scales. Bumps can be seen on the branches at the end of September or October. They are filled with winged nuts that act as ripe seeds. When the lump ripens to the end, the nut spills out through the open doors. Sometimes achenes are stored in cones for the winter. Thanks to the wind, alder seeds are carried very far. Water can carry them long distances.
Growing alder
For the cultivation of alder, seed and root propagation methods are used, as well as cuttings. Seed breeding and self-seeding are more popular.In September or October, when the buds are ripe, the seeds are released and sown on their own in the open ground. Once in the soil, they stratify naturally and the next year, after being saturated with moisture from melt water, they give the first shoots.
Alder seeds are sent into the ground to a depth of 3 cm and sprinkled with earth. At first, a low growth is formed. When the rhizome grows properly, the seedlings will begin to grow stronger and soon turn into a sprawling shrub, which will increase in length by 50-100 cm each subsequent year.
After some time, young branches bloom, which add more than one meter in growth annually. In the spring, the offspring are dug out, keeping a lump with the earth, and transplanted to a permanent residence.
Cuttings are harvested in the summer or spring months. The length of the cut cut should be about 12-16 cm. Rooting takes place directly in the open field. The plant takes root better if you treat the end of the cutting with a stimulant. Planted alder cuttings need regular watering. After a few months, they will take root and will already get stronger in order to winter on their own.
Planting and caring for alder
Planting and caring for alder does not present any particular difficulties for gardeners. The tree is unpretentious to the site where it is grown and the choice of soil. Easily adapts to life on open sunny loams or on low-nutrient sandstones located in partial shade. Nitrogen bacteria are able to create their own nutrient layer for the root system of the tree. However, such a species as black alder develops well only on moist fertile substrates. Representatives of the Berezovs are used as landscaping areas around water bodies. Their roots not only ennoble, but also strengthen the coastal boundaries of the land.
The tree is planted in soil with a neutral and slightly alkaline environment. The soil is pre-enriched with humus, mineral fertilizer and sprinkled with lime. Planting alder is best organized during the growing season. The bottom of the hole is filled with drainage material, sand or crushed stone is suitable. The seedling is deepened so that the root collar is at the surface level. The area around the trunk is moistened and carefully mulched with straw, peat, trying not to damage the young root layers.
There is almost no need to take care of the alder seedling further. During the year, it is regularly watered, but they adhere to moderate watering, without excess water in the ground. In order for the roots to receive the necessary amount of oxygen, they do periodic weeding. The tools should not be deeply buried, otherwise the root system is disturbed.
The young tree also needs organic feeding. After a year, the seedlings will be able to grow on their own without any fertilizers.
Before the arrival of winter, the trees are not prepared in any special way, since the Berezovy family calmly survives even the cold and frost that occurs in the harsh northern regions.
Alder is exposed to fungal infections. The fungus leads to a change in the shape of the leaves and flowers. As soon as the first symptoms were detected, the tree is treated with a fungicide solution. A parasitic threat is arboreal larvae, which eat the bark of young branches. These pests are fought with insecticidal preparations. If most of the branch is damaged, it will have to be cut down.
Types of alder with photo
Today the alder tree is subdivided into 29 species. Such information is not completely reliable, since the plant shows a tendency to change and acquire hybrid properties of other trees and shrubs.
Black alder (Alnus glutinosa)
It grows in the countries of Western Asia, North Africa, and also occurs in Europe. This tree reaches about 35 m in height. The diameter of wide trunks often approaches 90 cm. A pyramidal crown is formed due to perpendicularly located branches.A plant between 5 and 10 years old grows foliage and shoots as much as possible. Black alder can grow in one place in the wild for up to 100 years. There is even a mention of three hundred year old copies.
The branched rhizome is located close to the soil surface and is covered with small diameter nodules. The foliage is rounded, dissected with feathery veins. The size of the leaves does not exceed 7 cm.On the tops of the branches, with the arrival of spring, yellow-brown catkins bloom, the length of which is about 4-7 cm.The flexible pistillate catkins grow no more than 2 cm in diameter. ...
Red alder (Alnus rubra)
It is an attractive decorative perennial, capable of reaching a height of 20 m. The grayish bark is smooth to the touch. The color of the newly formed sprouts is dark red. Young shrubs and trees have dense foliage, but this is lost over time. Pointed leaf blades of an oblong shape and rich dark color. Outside, the leaves are covered with a layer of red villi. Inflorescences containing stamens shimmer with a reddish-brown tint. The length of the cones of this type does not exceed 25 mm.
Gray alder (Alnus incana)
The plant easily adapts to any conditions and has a narrow egg-shaped crown. The trunk is slightly curved, the cross-sectional diameter is approximately 50 cm. The bark is streaked with outgrowths and depressions. Young shoots of gray alder rapidly increase in length. The rhizome lies at a depth of 20 cm. The surface of the dark gray bark is sticky to the touch. Lanceolate foliage is smooth and leathery on the outside and fleecy on the inside. The pile is silvery and thick. The size of the leaves is usually 3 to 10 cm. The earrings bloom in March-April, before the leaves begin to bloom.
The benefits and properties of wood
Wild alder plantations are often used in the woodworking and furniture industries. Of course, alder is inferior in strength to other types of wood species, but the tree is valued for its lightness, ability to resist decay, and low absorbency. Alder wood has a low cost, therefore it is considered an affordable building material. During the drying process, it does not deform and retains its shape. The kernel and sapwood are uniformly colored.
On the basis of alder, parts are produced that are used in the construction of wells and ships. The wood is suitable for finishing works, wood cutting, making spools and other small parts.
Alder burns well and does not give much soot. When burning wood, a pleasant aroma is heard. For this reason, alder is often chosen as the main material for building baths and lighting fires.
The beneficial and medicinal properties of alder have long been proven. In folk medicine, the alder tree is considered very valuable. The parts of the plant contain tannins, flavonoids, minerals, vitamins. On the basis of black alder leaves, tinctures and decoctions are prepared, which help in the treatment of many colds and skin diseases. Substances found in the tissues of alder are able to stop bleeding, relieve inflammation and act as an expectorant and astringent.
Decoctions are made from alder cones. They are prescribed for colic, dysentery, diarrhea, stomatitis, periodontitis and various types of bleeding. Alder tinctures are recommended for women who have problems with the reproductive system and irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
Preparations containing traces of alder, as a rule, are safe for the overwhelming group of people, but one should not forget about the individual intolerance of the components. Overuse and overdose of raw materials leads to health problems.
