Alder, Common

Description

A fast growing, deciduous native plant with mauve-bloomed buds opening to shiny, dark green, racquet-shaped leaves. Male and female catkins February to April, female catkins turning to attractive false cones, providing plenty of bird food the following spring. Ideal for very wet situations, and is useful for preventing soil erosion and fixing nitrogen. It is very useful where rabbits or stock may damage the bark as it is rarely eaten.