Gray alder is a real harbinger of spring. It begins to bloom when there is still snow around. Leaflets appear much later. The tree belongs to the Birch family.
Alder gray: description
Depending on the living conditions, it may look like a deciduous tree up to 25 meters high or as a large shrub with a trunk up to 50 cm. Alder belongs to the fast-growing species, which is especially noticeable in the first 15 years of life. Later, the process slows down. Frost-resistant and shade-hardy, but at the same time quite photophilous.
The average age is 40-60 years, however, plants that have reached 100 years of age are known.
The gray alder (or white, as it is also called) has a superficial root system. It is deepened only by 20 cm. Nodule growths and stalks are found on the roots.
Alder has a slender trunk with a smooth light gray bark. In young shoots, it is initially with a greenish tint, later it becomes brown. Particularly striking is the weak, non-sticky fluff, which disappears after some time.
The leaves are oval in shape, wide and slightly pointed from above. They grow to 10 cm, while the upper side is bright green, the lower side is lighter. Leaves on a branch are arranged in three rows.
Up to 30 species of this plant are known, but on the territory of Russia, only two are most often found: gray alder, black alder. The second is also called sticky.
Flowering and propagation
The first earrings appear in March or April. Male and female in appearance differ from each other. In the first inflorescences are long and usually 3-5 pieces are collected together. Earrings "female" oval in shape, on short legs, up to 1.5 cm long. They are collected in 8-9 pieces. Pollination occurs with the help of wind.
By autumn, female inflorescences become harder and look like small cones.
At the same time, seeds that ripen for 2 years are ripened every year. They look like nuts 1.5 cm long with webbed wings.
Gray alder is propagated by seeds, offspring of roots and cuttings. It can form wild thickets very quickly.
Spread
The tree grows in Russia, mainly in its northern part, also distributed in Siberia, right up to Kamchatka. It is found in North America, Asia Minor, Transcaucasia, Serbia, Italy, France, and also practically throughout Europe.
Gray alder prefers to grow in the forest zone, however it is found both in the forest-steppe and in the forest-tundra. In North America, a tree in some places poses a threat to native vegetation.
Due to the good germination of seeds, it quickly forms thickets. Unlike black alder, it easily adapts to wetlands. Due to this property, the plant is often used to strengthen the banks of rivers, slopes of ravines, as well as to create ameliorative landscapes.
It grows in moist calcareous soil, which itself enriches with nitrogen. It does not tolerate drought. Its presence on the plain indicates the presence of groundwater.
Alder gray: useful properties and application
The tree has soft, but dense wood with a reddish tint. Gray alder is used in the manufacture of turning and joinery. It is resistant to decay. It is popular in furniture production, it also makes matches, paper.
In the presence of constant humidity, it acquires increased strength, therefore it is used in the construction of underwater structures, barrels, log houses, mounting posts. Chips serve as good packaging for fruits.
Firewood from gray alder is not particularly popular, they burn well, but they do not hold heat. Previously, they were used to burn soot from the furnace.
The tree bark is a good dye, with its help you can give red, black and yellow shades to fabrics, skin and wool.
Gardeners use alder twigs to control pests such as mice and bears. Simply place them on the beds and near fruit trees.
Gray alder is very popular among beekeepers, pollen is formed on shoots and young leaves before flowering.
It is effective in the form of a decorative hedge, but in this case it requires constant haircuts.
