Fast growing, deciduous conical tree. A graceful tree with yellow catkins appearing in late winter and early spring followed by heart shaped glossy deep green leaves. Small cones appear and remain on the tree throughout autumn. Happy by the waterside and grows well in poor soil. Suitable for large gardens.

The greyish brown bark is complemented by nutlets that mature in October and persist in pistillate catkins over winter. Alder is a good choice where a large windbreak is needed, clumps have 2 or more stems. Fully hardy, it survives northern winters well, though it does better in wet sites and can be short lived if grown in dry, stressful sites. The Alder is one of the few tree varieties that convert nitrogen from the soil atmosphere enabling it to grow and prosper even in adverse conditions. The Black Alder needs plenty of moisture to get established and will grow in heavily compacted soil if a moderate amount of water is available. The four-inch long leaves are dark green on the top and very light on the bottom.