A common waterside tree seen in groups, you will notice the alder’s unmistakeable mat of dark orange roots that are often visible along the waters edge and form a very good barrier against erosion.
Looking closely you will see some nodules on the exposed roots; these contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, meaning that alders can survive well on infertile soils.
Discover more about the Alder
When to see
The bare trees have a purple tinge in January from the male catkins which change to a brown by March and April. The dark green leaves have regular veins and are disc shaped. They remain green from April to October until they fall in October. In winter the small brown seed cones are visible.
Where to see
Found in Scotland from lowland loch to mountain burns up to an altitude of 500m.
Did you know?
Old stands of alder trees can provide an important source of nesting sites for birds such as grey wagtails and goldeneye ducks who seek holes to nest in. In the past it was said that the charcoal made from this wood made superlative gunpowder. The wood was also used to make lock gates and sluice gates in millraces, as it withstands wetting and drying very well.
When to see
The bare trees have a purple tinge in January from the male catkins which change to a brown by March and April. The dark green leaves have regular veins and are disc shaped. They remain green from April to October until they fall in October. In winter the small brown seed cones are visible.
Where to see
Found in Scotland from lowland loch to mountain burns up to an altitude of 500m.
Did you know?
Old stands of alder trees can provide an important source of nesting sites for birds such as grey wagtails and goldeneye ducks who seek holes to nest in. In the past it was said that the charcoal made from this wood made superlative gunpowder. The wood was also used to make lock gates and sluice gates in millraces, as it withstands wetting and drying very well.
When to see
The bare trees have a purple tinge in January from the male catkins which change to a brown by March and April. The dark green leaves have regular veins and are disc shaped. They remain green from April to October until they fall in October. In winter the small brown seed cones are visible.
Where to see
Found in Scotland from lowland loch to mountain burns up to an altitude of 500m.
Did you know?
Old stands of alder trees can provide an important source of nesting sites for birds such as grey wagtails and goldeneye ducks who seek holes to nest in. In the past it was said that the charcoal made from this wood made superlative gunpowder. The wood was also used to make lock gates and sluice gates in millraces, as it withstands wetting and drying very well.
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Registered Company No: 303299 | Registered address: Wild Scotland, Suite 212, 8 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA