Black alder is a breed of our “mahogany” tree, from which expensive furniture was made in the old days. She is not as simple as her closest relative, the gray alder, and does not tolerate the neighborhood of other relatives.
Alder is a tall tree that grows up to 30 m. Its trunk is dark with cracks, for which it got its name – black. Her middle name is sticky. Its name is because of its rounded bright green sticky leaves. These leaves remain on the tree until frost without changing color. Only in late autumn do they fall to the ground, slightly darker, but without frivolous shades.
Black alder grows near rivers
Alder blooms in early spring. Male flowers are long, dangling earrings, and female flowers are cones gathered in a bunch. When the seeds appear, the buds will become woody. An interesting feature of alder is that with early flowering – in April – the fruits appear only the next year.
The sticky alder inhabits the moist soils of rivers and lakes. This tree forms dense dark thickets right in the swamps, where no human foot can step. Few deciduous relatives will try to settle in alder: they simply will not survive in it.
The photo of black alder shows how close it settles to the water. It is specially planted along the banks to strengthen them. Alder forest can be planted in swamps. Trees grow quickly and multiply easily. Fallen leaves enrich the soil with nitrogen.
Alder wood has an unusual color. At first, it is white at the cut, later it turns red. This allows you to make an imitation of walnut in the manufacture of furniture. The “mahogany” tree is used to make musical instruments and dishes. In the production of alder is used for the manufacture of:
- plywood;
- wood vinegar;
- charcoal for drawing;
- insulating materials.
The bark and leaves are used to paint fabrics and leathers. Fish is smoked on alder branches.
This tree is a valuable honey plant; it is customary to add its pollen to bee syrup. These insects make propolis from the sticky substance in alder buds. In traditional and folk medicine, the green cones of this tree are used for decoctions and infusions. They serve as astringents and disinfectants. A decoction of the bark has a diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is used to rinse the throat and treat wounds and ulcers with it.
Modest sticky alder, even in autumn, is lost among the bright foliage of its relatives. Moreover, it can grow in unfavorable conditions. This valuable tree species is listed in the Red Book.