Alder

Alnus acuminata

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Basic Information

Family: Betulaceae

Genus: alnus

Plant ID (slug): alnus-acuminata

Numeric ID: 24013

USDA Hardiness: 10-12

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Alnus acuminata is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, north through C. America to Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Antirheumatic The bark and leaves have medicinal value, and have been used in the treatment of muscular and joint pain, rheumatism, skin infection, and as an anti-inflammatory[381 ]. The macerated leaves are used to treat joint and muscular pains, rheumatism and skin infections[299 ]. A leaf infusion is part of a cure for inflammation of the prostate[299 ].