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Alnus glutinosa Luszyn - Common Alder

Alnus glutinosa Luszyn
Common Alder, Black Alder, European Alder

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A Polish variety, rare in cultivation, with a broad spreading canopy, upward-oriented branches, and a spreading conical crown. The dark green leaves are ovate and curved. Its brown branches are adorned, as early as March and before the foliage appears, with numerous pendulous yellowish-green to brown catkins, which are very decorative. This tree, reaching a height of 10 to 12 m, thrives in waterlogged and poor soils, where it is sometimes the only one able to grow.
Flower size
2 cm
Height at maturity
9 m
Spread at maturity
3 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -34°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, November
Recommended planting time January to March, October to December
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Flowering time March to April
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Description

Alnus glutinosa 'Luszyn', also known as Common Alder or Black Alder, is a cultivar found in a public park in the Polish city of Luszyn in 2016, initially mistaken for the columnar variety 'Pyramidalis'. 'Luszyn' develops a much wider canopy. Its branches are upward-oriented, with a broad conical crown. The leaves are dark green, ovate, and recurved. Its brown branches are adorned, from March onwards and before the foliage appears, with numerous, very decorative, pendulous yellow-green to brown catkins. This medium-sized tree thrives in waterlogged and poor soils, where it is sometimes the only one able to grow.

In harsh climates and poor, marshy, and suffocating soils, the Common Alder with its rot-resistant and lightweight wood reigns supreme. This deciduous tree from the birch family is widespread in the native flora of Europe, extending up to Scandinavia. It is sometimes called "vergne" or "verne". The variety 'Luszyn' is mainly distinguished by its serrated leaves. It is a small, pyramidal and airy tree, with drooping branches, reaching a height of 10 to 12 metres at maturity with an approximate spread of 5 metres. Its growth is rather slow. Its foliage is light green and vibrant, even lighter underneath and slightly sticky to the touch, especially on young leaves. The buds are purple and also sticky, particularly in winter. The spring inflorescence is a 2cm long kind of small cone called a strobilus, containing tiny winged fruits that will be dispersed by the wind. This tree retains its foliage for a long time.

As a pioneering species, loving water regardless of its source, the Common Alder can be used as a specimen tree, in groups, or to retain banks along streams, natural basins, or in waterlogged, acidic soils in damp undergrowth. It should be kept away from foundations and buildings, as its extremely developed root system (up to 4 metres deep) is capable of blocking drinking water pipes. The 'Luszyn' Common Alder has a distinctive appearance that makes it very attractive when planted alone. Otherwise, plant it with shrubs or trees that have similar requirements, such as Nyssa sylvatica or Bald Cypress. Plant ferns like Onoclea sensibilis at its base, in neutral to acidic and moist soil, in full sun or partial shade. An elegant small tree, ideal for stream or marsh scenes, in dappled shade or full sun.

The Common Alder is also used in forests to prepare and improve the soil before planting poplars. Considered a green manure by foresters, it cleanses and enriches the soil in which it is planted, as its roots convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant proteins. Its wood is almost rot-resistant in water and was once used for underground water conduits and gutters. A significant part of the city of Venice is said to have been built on Common Alder pilings.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 9 m
Spread at maturity 3 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time March to April
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Flowering description Pendulous and decorative catkins

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Safety measures

Potential risks Plant that can cause respiratory allergy due to pollen

Botanical data

Genus

Alnus

Species

glutinosa

Cultivar

Luszyn

Family

Betulaceae

Other common names

Common Alder, Black Alder, European Alder

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference21985

Planting and care

Easy to grow in consistently moist soil, Alnus glutinosa Luszyn requires little maintenance. It can be planted in moist, humus-bearing, even peaty and poor soil, preferably acidic, in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates wind well. Only prune to remove dead or unnecessary branches.

Planting period

Best planting time March, November
Recommended planting time January to March, October to December

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge, Pond edge
Type of use Border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, humus-bearing

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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