Alnus cordata

Hartbladige els / Italian elder

Betulaceae (berkenfamilie)

Europe (south)

Edible plant part (1)

Sap
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Italian elder belongs to the canopy layer in the food forest. The growth rate is fast. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 9 to 15 meter. and a width of 6 to 10 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open.
This species forms a heart-shaped root system. Italian elder is a nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Whitlingham, https://www.flickr.com/photos/whitlingham/27160046549/in/photolist-QFQ3FC-2kCKnxe-2kCPvAp-PUwSLP-2kCKnpZ-2kCKnji-2kCNYNG-4xqBkS-Ho3kAD-6Yv2Su-8CFAom-2pz9oHt-2n3yQWD-7db3YK-NZiYdy

foto: Whitlingham, https://www.flickr.com/photos/whitlingham/27160046549/in/photolist-QFQ3FC-2kCKnxe-2kCPvAp-PUwSLP-2kCKnpZ-2kCKnji-2kCNYNG-4xqBkS-Ho3kAD-6Yv2Su-8CFAom-2pz9oHt-2n3yQWD-7db3YK-NZiYdy

foto: Olive Titus, https://www.flickr.com/photos/96064256@N04/29971228195

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline