Elder and alder plants The common alder (Alnus glutinosa) is regarded as a scruffy, pointless tree that pops up wherever there is running water. It is no star, yet I have a lot of time for it.

THE Tree Council of Ireland has the gift of prophesy: it designated 2008, one of the rainiest ever recorded, as the Year of the Alder. For this tree, wetter is better. Alders love swampy places ...

Black alder, which is also known as common alder or European alder, is found in most of Europe and extends into North Africa and Asia. It is easily identified by its gummy twigs and leaves. Learn more ...

The white alder --Alnus rhombifolia. ... Because it needs a constant supply of water, this alder finds only limited use as a street tree but is excellent for rehabilitating an abandoned stream site.