Italian Alder
Common name
Italian Alder
Botanical name
Alnus Cordata
Details
Fast, deep-rooted, nitrogen-fixing tree. Moderate drought tolerance. Trims well, excellent shelter for native under-story. Popular for horticultural shelterbelts and soil conservation on hill country. Roots penetrate deeply and so do not spread sideways into valuable crops.
Deciduous. Holds leaves from September to June. Cold hardy after first season.
Space at 1.5-4m centres for shelter.
Deciduous. Holds leaves from September to June. Cold hardy after first season.
Space at 1.5-4m centres for shelter.
Family
Betulaceae
Date
July 06, 2010
Height (m)
25
Drought tolerance
Nitrogen fixer
Shade / Sun
Full sun
Wind tolerance
Moderate
Belongs to the following Article
Nitrogen fixing plant species suited to temperate climate such as North Canterbury New Zealand
Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth. Certain plants have a useful ability to capture nitrogen from the atmosphere. This is often achieved through symbiotic relationship with fungi in the root zone. Being able access unlimited nitrogen allows these plants to grow quickly while also making some available to surrounding plants. The practical reality is that including nitrogen fixing plants of various shapes and sizes amongst other productive plantings improves overall health, vigour and fertility,