Alnus glutinosa

Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.

Alnus glutinosa

A medium-sized, short-lived tree growing up to 30 meters. Thrives in wet locations and has a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Frankia alni, which allows it to grow in poor-quality soils. It has short-stalked rounded leaves and separate male and female flowers in the form of catkins. The small, rounded fruits are cone-like and seeds are dispersed by wind and water.

Details

Order:

Fagales

Family:

Betulaceae

Genus:

Alnus

Chemistry:

The chemistry of Alnus glutinosa includes hirsutanonol, oregonin, genkwanin, rhododendrin {3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-l-methylpropyl-β-D-glucopyranoside}, and (penta-2,3-dienedioic acid). The bark contains 16 to 20% tannic acid.

Uses:

The common alder provides food and shelter for wildlife, including a number of insects, lichens, and fungi that are completely dependent on the tree. It is used in ethnobotany for various folk remedies, including astringents, cathartics, hemostatics, febrifuges, tonics, and restoratives. Extracts of the seeds are active against pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The wood is used for paper-making, manufacture of fiberboard, production of energy, and as a tonewood in electric guitars. The bark is used in tanning and dyeing.

Flowering time:

Spring

Sowing time:

Plant height:

Up to 30 meters

Flower color:

Reddish (male), Green (female)

Suitable habitat:

Moist ground near rivers, ponds and lakes, but can also grow in drier locations and mixed woodland. Tolerates a range of soil types and grows best at a pH between 5.5 and 7.2.

Info

Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.

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