What soil does Common alder grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Common alder hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Common alder be planted?

Plant it at least 5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 4 m from paving.

When does Common alder flower?

Flowering: March–April, red, purple.

How much water does Common alder need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Common alder cost?

It sells for roughly €42 to €150 in local shops, depending on size.

Common alder

Alnus glutinosa

Common alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a large tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €42.

Illustration of Common alder — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A fast-growing native tree for wet, boggy places: a stream bank, a pond side or a low-lying, waterlogged corner where other trees fail. Bacteria living in its root nodules fix nitrogen from the air, so it even improves poor soil, and in winter its hanging catkins and small cone-like fruits are decorative; a cut-leaved form is sold too. Do not plant it in a dry garden and keep it away from buildings, drains and water pipes, because its roots are strong and seek water; it drops its leaves green in autumn and may throw up suckers.

Watch out for

Alder Phytophthora dieback (Phytophthora alni) is spreading in Central Europe, mainly along running water: dark, tarry, bleeding patches appear at the base and lower trunk, the crown thins, the leaves become small and yellow and the tree can die within a few years. The pathogen spreads with water and with infected nursery stock, so plant only healthy trees from a reliable source. The pollen is strongly allergenic in early spring and cross-reacts with birch pollen. Its roots can damage old water pipes, drains and foundations. It struggles on permanently dry sites. Aphids, leaf beetles and canker also occur.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 8 m × 4 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–April, red, purple

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	8 m × 4 m
Ultimate size	10–25 m × 6–12 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–April, red, purple
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	High
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 5 m
Distance from paving	at least 4 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	600 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €42

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
180-220 cm	approx. €42
8/10 cm trunk girth	approx. €150
size not stated	approx. €45

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for screening Plants that give shade

Looks good next to it

Rhododendron

Rhododendron × hybridum

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Japanese sweet flag

Acorus gramineus