What an exquisite alder tree looks like and what makes it special
Every year, delicate graceful flowers notify people of great joy - the arrival of spring. Similarly, the alder tree "tactfully prompts" summer residents that it is time to get down to work. When there is still snow in the fields, its buds swell rapidly. Over time, flowers appear on the branches, which are pollinated by a light spring breeze. This happens year after year, because life goes on.
To appreciate the culture at its true worth, let's take a closer look at what alder is. How does it look from the outside? Where does it grow in nature? What properties does it have and is it widely used by people? A fascinating search for answers to questions will certainly bring true delight to flora fans.
Objective description of culture
Alder is a slender tree with an erect or slightly curved trunk. It is covered with a glossy gray bark. In its natural environment, the culture grows from 20 to 35 m in height. Much depends on the fertility of the soil and the type of plant.
Crown and flowering
And what does an alder look like from the outside? The photo shows a lush slightly sparse crown. It is formed by branches unevenly growing from the trunk. In early spring, graceful heterosexual catkins with an abundance of pollen are formed on them. Male specimens are usually large (up to 9 cm). Females, however, reach only 1 cm. After successful pollination, the so-called cones with a filmy or scaly surface appear. They ripen and open in autumn. As a result, seeds fall to the ground or are carried over long distances by wind currents.
On moist soil, seeds germinate very quickly and create dense thickets near lakes, swampy meadows and rivers.
Foliage features
When flowering passes, buds swell on the branches, ready to release fresh greens outside. And what do the leaves of alder look like - a modest tree that heralds the arrival of spring?
Looking closely at the plate, we note several features.:
- oval shape;
- scalloped framing;
- deep green color.
Interestingly, even in autumn, the foliage does not change its bright color. After the first frost, she gracefully falls to the ground. The plates are believed to contain large amounts of nitrogen. Therefore, after their "death" they enrich the topsoil with a valuable component.
Underground culture
The root system of an alder tree has a surface structure. Its main extended part is at a depth of 20 cm. The roots tightly braid everything that comes in their path. Therefore, the culture is planted near reservoirs to strengthen the coastal slopes. artificial reservoirs.
Unfortunately, due to the superficial structure of the root system, the trees suffer from hurricanes.
Alder tree for every taste
In nature, there are about 40 varieties of culture. Each of them has its own crown shape, bark color, foliage and earrings configuration. Let's get acquainted with the most popular options.
Black (sticky) alder
Adult specimens grow up to 35 m. The spreading crown is about 12 m. The life cycle of a culture is about 90-100 years.Black alder is used to equip city parks and strengthen the steep banks of various kinds of water bodies.
Inflorescences appear on it early enough when other plants are in a state of winter dormancy. But the fruits reach only the next season. In Moldova, Kazakhstan and some regions of Russia, culture is protected by law.
Gray alder
An adult tree grows up to 20 m in its entire life. It has an ovoid crown. The name of the variety is directly related to the color of the bark and leaf plates. Alder is decorated with rich brown earrings. The tree is prized for its special resistance to low temperatures. It also grows wonderfully in wetlands, turning them into cozy corners of nature.
Heart-leaved and green alder
The first variety is distinguished by decorative ovoid foliage with pointed tips. The edges of the plate are crowned with small notches. It grows up to 15 m. In its natural environment, it is found in the vastness of Italy. The green variety is represented by a tree or shrub. Differs in high frost resistance. Some specimens grow up to 20 m in height.
Red alder tree
The plant has a unique decorative appearance. The trunk and main branches are covered with light gray bark. However, the surface of young shoots is colored dark red. At first, the growth has a thick layer of villi. Over time, they crumble, and the bark becomes smooth. The dark green foliage is framed with jagged sides, and the back of the plate is strewn with many red hairs.
Having considered the varieties of culture, we will learn how to distinguish alder from other trees. First of all, it begins to bloom before everyone else. Graceful earrings are formed on it, and after pollination, miniature cones appear. Foliage and fruits have medicinal properties.
Extensive growing area
The culture prefers the temperate climate found in the Northern Hemisphere. However, it can be found in South America and even in Asia. Where does alder grow in Russia? A large number of trees are found in the Urals and Western Siberia. They wonderfully take root in moist forests or near the coastal areas of rivers and lakes.
In the Far East, mainly such varieties are found:
- Italian;
- Japanese;
- Siberian.
However, wherever the alder tree grows, gorgeous landscapes are formed. Therefore, it is often grown in home gardens and city parks. The plant is propagated using seeds that mature trees bring in abundance. They are distinguished by their fast germination in abundantly moistened places.
The alder tree is unpretentious to the type of soil and climatic conditions.
Application
Due to the beneficial properties of the tree, alder is actively used in folk medicine. For example, bumps have antimicrobial properties.
Therefore, drugs are prepared from them for treatment:
- psoriasis;
- various fungi;
- eczema.
Tinctures help restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Astringents obtained from foliage are used during nosebleeds. Broths are used in the treatment of colds.
The use of alder wood in folk art is especially delightful. The material is used for the manufacture:
- decorative panels;
- wooden sculptures;
- carved dishes;
- underground structures;
- furniture.
In addition, alder is widely used for industrial purposes. Wood lends itself wonderfully to varnishing, staining and polishing. It does not lose integrity when screwing in self-tapping screws. Due to the fact that the raw material can be dried quickly and at the same time does not lose its properties, musical instruments are made from it.
As you can see, the alder tree is a wonderful decoration for the green planet. Its various types are used to form landscape zones. The plant is not afraid of urban gas pollution, so it is often planted along highways.It is impossible to look away from the openwork oval crown and many trembling leaves. Let's appreciate a modest tree with a stately appearance.