Alnus subcordata
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Alnus subcordata

Caucasian alder · Caucasian Elder

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 5–8
Click count
42
Observations
19

Description

Source: leafsnap

Alnus subcordata, the Caucasian alder, is a species in the family Betulaceae, native to Hyrcanian forests of Iran and the Caucasus. It is closely related to the Italian alder (A. cordata) and Alnus orientalis.It is a deciduous tree growing to 15–25 m tall, with similar glossy green cordate leaves 5–15 cm long. The flowers are catkins, the male catkins very slender, 8–15 cm long, the female catkins small, maturing into a woody cone-like fruit 2–3 cm long containing numerous small winged seeds.Two varieties have been recorded: Alnus subcordata var. subcordata C.A. Mey. Alnus subcordata var. villosa (Regel) H.J.P.Winkl

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Caucasian elder is native to open habitats, including sunlit meadows and forest margins that offer abundant light. It performs best in Full Sun but will also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of light conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

Caucasian elder is highly adaptable to a range of climate conditions, from scorching summers to chilly winters. However, it has an optimal temperature range for growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which can cause its death. In areas where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, it's important to use insulation measures to protect the plant.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilize your Caucasian elder in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular feeding boosts overall health, leading to vigorous growth, greater tolerance of challenging conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Stick to a specific fertilization schedule for your Caucasian elder to maintain foliage that is vibrant, richly colored, and lush in appearance.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Alnus
Family
Betulaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-8
Mature Height
14.94 m to 24.99 m
Mature Spread
7.92 m to 11.89 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, Brown
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Late winter, Early spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Iran, Azerbaijan

Tags (6)

Common Names (2)

en Caucasian alder
en Caucasian Elder