Alder, Grey

Description

Fast growing deciduous, suckering plant, with large, up to 10cm (4ins), pointed and toothed, dark green leaves, grey-white and downy underneath. Long, drooping, yellow-brown catkins and small, red flowers appear before the leaves in spring followed in autumn by false cones which are good bird food. Ideal for cold or wet situations and can be used to create windbreaks. Useful for preventing soil erosion and fixing nitrogen.