Italian alder (Alnus cordata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Italian alder on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Betulaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Italian alder
Alnus cordata, commonly known as Italian Alder, is a fast-growing, medium to large deciduous tree, valued for its glossy, heart-shaped foliage and conical crown. Its leaves remain green well into autumn, and its catkins appear in winter, adding seasonal interest. It's an excellent choice for parks, large gardens, or as a street tree in urban areas, especially where a resilient species tolerant of moist soils is desired.
Native range
Corsica and Southern Italy
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, though it thrives best in moist, well-drained conditions; it's notably drought-tolerant once established. Watering should be regular during the first few years to establish a strong root system, especially in dry summers. It doesn't require regular pruning, except for shaping or removing dead or diseased branches. A common mistake is planting it in spaces that are too small, as it can reach a considerable size.