Alnus Cordata – Italian Alder

Alnus cordata, commonly known as Italian Alder, is a handsome, fast-growing large deciduous tree valued for its elegant conical shape, glossy foliage, and versatility across urban, rural, and reclaimed sites. Native to southern Italy, it is widely regarded as one of the finest alder species for landscaping, parks, gardens, and woodland schemes. Its striking winter silhouette and evergreen-like glossy leaves provide year-round interest, while its robust nature ensures it thrives in a variety of challenging conditions.

Italian Alder is exceptionally tolerant of soils ranging from chalk to compacted urban ground and derelict land. It performs well in exposed areas and copes with pollution, making it ideal for councils, landowners, developers, and professional planting contractors seeking resilient trees for large-scale projects. Its conical form and dense foliage make it suitable for windbreaks, coastal planting, hedges, and specimen trees. With rapid growth, Italian Alder establishes quickly, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits such as screening, shelter, and soil stabilization.

The tree produces long yellow-brown male catkins from February to April, providing an early pollen source for insects. Its hard green fruits mature into brown cones that remain on the tree over winter, offering a valuable food source for birds. Italian Alder’s combination of visual interest, environmental tolerance, and wildlife value makes it a practical and striking addition to parks, large gardens, urban spaces, and reclaimed or brownfield sites.

This is the size and type we sell: Alnus cordata Italian Alder 20–60cm Cell Grown and Alnus cordata Italian Alder 40–60cm 1+1, professionally grown trees suitable for landscaping, hedging, and specimen planting.

Features & Benefits

Fast-growing, large deciduous tree with conical form

Glossy, dark green heart-shaped leaves for year-round appeal

Tolerant of a wide range of soils including chalk and compacted urban sites

Pollution and wind resistant

Ideal for specimen planting, hedges, windbreaks, and coastal planting

Provides early pollen for insects and cones for bird feed

Suitable for reclaiming derelict and brownfield sites

Applications

Parkland and large garden specimen planting

Woodland and urban landscaping

Windbreaks and shelter-belts

Hedges and screening in exposed or coastal sites

Reclamation of derelict, brownfield, or polluted land

Council and landowner planting schemes

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 9m height x 5m spread

After 20 years: 16m height x 6m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Alnus cordata

Common Name | Italian Alder

Plant Type | Deciduous tree

Growth Rate | Fast

Mature Height | Up to 16m+

Mature Spread | Up to 6m

Soil Type | Wide range including chalk, compacted urban, and reclaimed land

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 20–60cm Cell Grown / 40–60cm 1+1

Maintenance | Prune hedges July–August; minimal maintenance for specimens

Wildlife Value | Early pollen for insects; cones for birds over winter