Grey Alder
Alnus incana
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Description
Grey Alder (Alnus incana) is a deciduous tree native to Europe, Asia, and North America, thriving in temperate regions. As a pioneer species, it plays a crucial role in ecosystem restoration by stabilizing soil and improving fertility through its nitrogen-fixing ability. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, it serves as an excellent nurse tree, providing shelter and nutrients for understory plants. Grey Alder is particularly valuable in riparian zones for erosion control and habitat restoration. It can be integrated into food forests as a canopy layer, supporting biodiversity and enhancing soil health. Historically, its wood was used for making charcoal and tools, while its bark was utilized for medicinal purposes.
Growing Details
Grey Alder thrives in moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to poor, dry conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth, prepare the soil with organic matter and mulch to retain moisture. Companion plants include nitrogen-loving species like comfrey and dynamic accumulators such as dandelion. Avoid planting in overly compacted soils. Harvesting for wood should occur in late winter when the sap is low. Store cut wood in a dry, ventilated area to prevent rot.
Tags
Nitrogen Fixing
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Alnus incana</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of April for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 60 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The inner bark can be dried and ground into a flour substitute during times of scarcity. However, it is not commonly consumed due to its astringent taste.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, the bark has been used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, often in the treatment of wounds and skin irritations. It can be prepared as a decoction or poultice. Caution is advised as excessive use may cause irritation.
health concerns: Excessive consumption of the inner bark may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
other uses: The wood is used for making charcoal and as a source of firewood. It is also used in furniture and carving due to its workability and fine grain.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Alnus incana</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Alnus incana
common names: Grey Alder; Speckled Alder; White Alder
family: Betulaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Alnus
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 3.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 20ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / -40ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: High
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(3/10)
first harvest: 5 years
life span: 60 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 20.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Monoecious
growth details: Grey Alder thrives in moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to poor, dry conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth, prepare the soil with organic matter and mulch to retain moisture. Companion plants include nitrogen-loving species like comfrey and dynamic accumulators such as dandelion. Avoid planting in overly compacted soils. Harvesting for wood should occur in late winter when the sap is low. Store cut wood in a dry, ventilated area to prevent rot.
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include aphids and alder flea beetles. Natural pest management strategies include introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help repel flea beetles. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray for severe infestations.
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