Alnus incana 'Grey Alder'

Betulaceae: small to medium size tree to 15–20 m (49–66 ft), smooth grey bark even in old age, its life span being a maximum of 60 to 100 years. The leaves are matt green, ovoid, the flowers are catkins, appearing early in spring before the leaves emerge, the male catkins pendulous and mature in late autumn. The seeds are small and light brown with a narrow encircling wing. The Grey Alder has a shallow root system, and is marked not only by vigorous production of stump suckers, but also by root suckers, especially in the northern parts of its range. Native to Europe, introduced to Britain but not often planted, used on reclamation schemes.

USES:

Water infusion and spirit tincture an alder grey use as an astringent and styptic. Broths and infusions are effective at enteritises, dyspepsia, enterocolitis, dysentery and chronic colitis. There are clinical observations of positive results in the treatment of buds of Alder ulcers stomach and duodenal ulcers. Alder cones are usually in combination with other herbs, impact on different stages of pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases.

Broths using Alder cones can be used in rheumatoid polyarthritis and colds. Alder leaves baths relieve fatigue in the legs during prolonged walking.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Seed requires pre chill. Spring sown seed should also germinate successfully so long as it is not covered, the seed should germinate in the spring as the weather warms up.

HARVESTED: 2019

APPROX. 100+ SEEDS