Alder, Common

Description

Conical in shape, mature trees can reach a height of around 28m and live to approximately 60 years. The bark is dark and fissured and is often covered in lichen. Twigs have a light brown, spotted stem which turns red towards the top. Young twigs are sticky to touch.

The small brown cones are the female catkins and stay on the tree all year round. They open up to release their seeds, which are dispersed by wind and water.