Alnus glutinosa

Zwarte els / Black alder

Betulaceae (berkenfamilie)

Europe (whole)

Edible plant part (1)

Sap
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Black alder belongs to the canopy layer in the food forest. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 1 to 24 meter. and a width of 15 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open. The Black alder is decidious.
This species forms a fibrous deep root system. Black alder 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: Joost Bakker, https://www.flickr.com/photos/joostjbakkerijmuiden/51873518042

foto: Joost Bakker, https://www.flickr.com/photos/joostjbakkerijmuiden/51873518042

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 texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor