Alnus glutinosa, Common Alder

Common Alder is a small spreading and sometimes multi-stemmed tree with a broad domed or conical crown.

It commonly grows beside water and it can be found in altitudes up to 700 m.

This Common Alder is nicely growing right next to a water canal in Oxford University Park in Oxford. If the water was clear enough I would have probably see some of its roots. The soil is very wet and is poorly drained. It is in partly shaded position and around it there are more Common Alders and dogwood shrubs.

Branches are ascending in young trees and later on they spreading. Young twigs are sticky and have raised orange lenticels. Older twigs are smooth.

The bark is brownish and fissured, with square or oblong plates.

In winter male catkins are an attractive feature with their purplish colour. At the end of the season they open, reveling yellow anthers and become even more colourful.

Female catkins are smaller and cone-like shaped. reddish purple at first and then turning green. They grow through the summer and persist until next spring.