Species American Green Alder

American Green Alder

Alnus viridis

American Green Alder (Alnus viridis) is a tall, deciduous tree native to North America. It is a medium-sized tree reaching up from 20-35 feet in height with a fairly rounded crown. The bark is light brown to gray, with fissures and shallow ridges on the trunk. The leaves are medium-sized, simple and oval in shape, dark green with serrated margins. The male and female catkins form in early spring, both appearing on the same tree. The male catkins are long and yellowish, whereas the females are more spherical and reddish. The fruit is nut-like, with cones containing seeds. When mature, the cone takes on a pale yellow hue. This tree is commonly found in moist soils near rivers, streams, and wetlands.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Root Division

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun Shade

Soil:

Sandy,Loamy,Rocky

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

American green alder should be watered once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. When the plant is watered, enough water should be used to make sure the soil is moist all the way through, but not wet. Too much water can lead to root rot, so it is important not to water too often or too much.

sunlight

American Green Alder thrives best with 6 to 8 hours of full sun each day. When planting, place the tree in an area that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, but avoid too much afternoon sun, which can be damaging. It is best to provide a little morning sun, which will help the tree stay cooler in the heat of the afternoon. American Green Alder will also tolerate shade and partial sun, but it may not produce as many berries and nuts as it would in a sunny location.

pruning

American Green Alder should be pruned lightly throughout the growing season to control the size and shape of the plant. Prune off dead, crossed, or otherwise broken branches as needed. More extensive pruning can also be done in late winter or early spring as the plant is coming out of dormancy. Focus on removing dead, diseased, crossing, and otherwise damaged branches, as well as any suckers or errant shoots. Aim to maintain the natural shape of the tree, but do not over-prune as this can damage and weaken the plant.