Caucasian Alder
alnus subcordata
Also known as: ["Caucasian Alder","Kurdish Alder"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to the Caucasus region, known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil and its ornamental value.
Benefits & Perks
["nitrogen-fixing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Betulaceae |
| Genus: | Alnus |
| Botanical Name: | Alnus subcordata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers moist soil conditions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining; avoid waterlogged soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content; tolerates clay but prefers well-aerated conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate for young trees; light for mature trees to maintain shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates dappled light in hotter regions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid leaf scorch; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; suitable for both indoor (bright location) and outdoor planting.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; rotate plant for even light exposure; provide shade during peak summer heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure good drainage, and avoid waterlogging roots.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; tolerates cold winters (down to -25°C); prefers cool summers (optimal 15–25°C).
Protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation in heat; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing newly planted trees.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer or seed propagation in autumn.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Or sow seeds after cold stratification.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds after ripening.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification required for seeds.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-drained seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seeds may take 1–3 months to germinate with cold stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, propagation tray, heating mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to trunk; heading cuts to shorten branches for shaping.
Pruning Plan
Shape young trees to encourage strong structure; remove dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning saw, loppers, hand pruners, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins for container plants.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in new pot with fresh soil mix; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Generally not required for outdoor trees; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; water well after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture penetration to the root ball depth, and allow excess water to drain freely to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand to improve drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn yellow; growth slows or halts; potential for frost damage in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in winter to prevent root freeze.
Hot Stress
Leaf wilting, scorch, or premature drop; reduced vigor in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; use appropriate fertilizer; apply at recommended rate; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop feeding in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAlnus subcordata is not considered toxic to cats. Ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to their tannin content. The physiological impact is typically minimal and resolves without treatment.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicAlnus subcordata is not considered toxic to dogs. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation due to their tannin content. The physiological impact is generally mild and self-limiting.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicAlnus subcordata, commonly known as Caucasian Alder, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high tannin content. The physiological impact is minimal and typically resolves without medical intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Alnus subcordata suitable for urban planting?
A: Yes, it is tolerant of urban conditions and can thrive in various soil types.
Q: Does this tree require regular pruning?
A: Pruning is generally not necessary unless for shaping or removing dead branches.
Q: How fast does Alnus subcordata grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing tree, typically reaching maturity within 20-30 years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Betulaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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