YELLOWSTONE ARBORETUM
" Stewards of the Natural Environment "
Billings, Montana @ ZooMontana
Black Alder
Catalogue A# 2018-NA WW5A
GPS 45D 43' 56" N / 108D 37' 15" W
These specimens are non-accessioned. More information and photos forthcoming.
Location: Waterways, along west side of path next to wall
Number in accession: 3
This 20 inch Black Alder provides overall benefits of: $139 every year.
Tree or Plant Type: Tree
Foliage: Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale: Non-native
Size Range: Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature Height: 40-60 feet
Mature Width: 20-40 feet
Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness Zones: Zone 4, Zone 5 (Chicago), Zone 6, Zone 7
Soil Preference: Wet soil
Acid Soils: Tolerant
Alkaline Soils: Tolerant
Salt Spray: Intolerant
Soil Salt: Intolerant
Drought Conditions: Moderately Tolerant
Poor Drainage: Tolerant
Planting Considerations: Excessive sucker growth
Ornamental Interest: Persistent fruit/seeds, Attractive bark
Flower Color & Fragrance: Inconspicuous
Shape or Form: Pyramidal
Growth Rate: Fast
Transplants Well: Yes
Wildlife: Nesting birds, Seed-eating birds, Small mammals
CRITIQUE
European black alder has invasive traits that enable it to spread aggressively. This tree is under observation and may be listed on official invasive species lists in the near future. Review of risks should be undertaken before selecting this tree for planting sites. Growing 40 to 60 feet tall, black alder is typically tall and narrow but sometimes pyramid-shaped. It can be identified by its large, glossy green, oval to round leaves with a toothed margin; dangling catkins in early spring; and cone-like fruits, in fall. Young leaves and shoots are often sticky from a resin. The seed are dispersed by wind and, if they fall on water, can be spread for long distances.
