Identifying Alders

You know it's an alder because: there are always at least a few ripe woody cones or unripe green cones visible; the buds are stalked.

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•	Common Alder is the only native species; at least some of its leaves have distinctive flat or indented ends.
•	Italian Alder is a common street tree with a neat spire shape, glossy leaves like those of Common Pear and larger cones.
•	Grey Alder is more of a utility tree with rather drab but strongly-toothed leaves.

Red Alder, with large, large-toothed leaves, is occasionally seen, as is the feathery-leaved ‘Imperialis’ clone of Common Alder.

 
 

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Copyright © 2007 Philip Brassett