Alnus glutinosa

Alnus glutinosa, known as alder, is a species native to Ireland, with an important cultural value as it features as a motif in tales and stories. In particular, according to an Irish legend, it was from an alder tree that the first man was born. It is also used for its wood, bark and catkins [1]. Alder is prized for its value in flood prevention schemes as its fine root system can stabilise riverbanks and tolerate flooding and they naturally harbour high biodiversity [2]. It is also a widely researched species globally, with more than 300 of its features being studied, as retrieved from relevant databases.

1. POWO (2022). MacCoitir, N. 2003. Irish Trees: Myths, Legends & Folklore. Gill & Macmillan Ltd. ISBN 1848890885, 9781848890886

2. Claessens H, Oosterbaan A, Savill P, Rondeux J. A review of the characteristics of black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) and their implications for silvicultural practices. Forestry. 2010 Apr 1;83(2):163-75