Alnus incana (L.) Moench, Grey Alder

Introduction, neophyte, deliberately planted, probably only occasional, but perhaps under-recorded. Circumpolar boreal-montane, but absent as a native from most of W Europe.

1953; MCM & D; Castle Coole estate.

July to August.

Although introduced into cultivation in Britain as long ago as 1780, Grey Alder has only become really popular with local county councils in the last couple of decades. It is now recognised as a very hardy tree that is easy to grow and which tolerates nutritionally poor, wet soils. As such, it is increasingly used to plant up roadside cuttings and embankments and alongside rivers.

Alnus incana reproduces in these islands by both seedlings and suckers, so it can readily naturalise itself. In Fermanagh, it is only occasionally recorded, having been listed in 18 tetrads, 16 of which have post-1975 records. In view of the substantial increase of recent amenity planting by local councils, the species is very probably under-recorded here, as is often the case elsewhere in B & I (T.D. Dines, in: Preston et al. 2002). Recent records in Fermanagh are from the edges of conifer plantation blocks, where it helps 'soften' the landscape impact, and also from waterside and amenity plantations where it may have been planted as an alternative to A. glutinosa (Alder).

Grey Alder is a native of Eurasia and since it grows very well in the wet soils so common in NI it may be expected to continue spreading, both with and without the assistance of man.