Alnus spaethii
Spaeth Alder
It does best in moist soil though can cope with dry soils once established and tolerates air pollution and will also tolerate coastal conditions
Available variants and pricing
Description
Of garden origin and dating from 1908, this fast growing tree of medium size has a rounded habit.
The large leaves are purple tinged when young and it is at its best in spring when displaying its beautiful and numerous catkins.
It does best in moist soil though can cope with dry soils once established and tolerates air pollution and will also tolerate coastal conditions
This variety catches many of our customers out in that it looks like a cherry when in full leaf in the summer. The leaves are vivid green and large as well as being long.
The bark gives the game away but this is always a good tree to throw into a plant identification competition for the over confident!
A cross between Alnus japonica and Alnus subcordata, it is little surprise that this is a rarely seen tree but in our opinion it could and should be used more often to bring greater diversity to Alnus plantings in the UK. Its catkin display is second to none amongst the large growing Alders more regularly planted.
Mature height: 12-17m
Mature spread: 8-12m