Content
- Which deciduous tree is equipped with small cones?
- Many alder species have cone-like fruits
- Alder
- White alder
- Heart-leaved alder
- Purple Erle
- Kaiser-Erle
- Tips
The black alder has small cones
Which deciduous tree is equipped with small cones?
From a botanical point of view, cones are the typical spike-shaped inflorescences of conifers or their seed-bearing fruits. However, if you come across a deciduous tree with cone-like fruits in the fall, you have discovered an alder whose fruits are not unlike the cones of a coniferous tree.
Many alder species have cone-like fruits
Alder trees (Alnus) are closely related to the birch trees (Betula) and are found mainly in wetlands and on the banks of rivers, streams and other waters. In Germany are native only the black, green or white alder, the latter is sometimes referred to in the literature as gray alder. In gardens with a larger garden pond or other waters, however, non-native species such as the imperial alder or the heart-leaved alder are gladly planted. All species develop cone-like, rather small fruits.
Alder
The black alder (Alnus glutinosa) is one of the pioneer tree species, is very fast growing and conquers quickly fallow land and wet marginal areas. Older trees are easily recognizable by their black-brown, tattered bark.
White alder
The gray or white alder (Alnus incana) is very similar to the black alder in habitus as well as habitat and lifestyle, but the bark is much brighter. It is also much less common than the black alder.
Heart-leaved alder
In contrast to the native species, the heart-leaved or even Italian alder (Alnus cordata) is often planted in gardens. The tree, which grows to about 20 meters high, has leathery, heart-shaped leaves at the base and glossy dark green leaves.
Purple Erle
The Späth alder or purple alder (Alnus x spaethii) is also a popular tree for gardens and parks that grows up to 15 meters. Its up to 18 centimeters long leaves are brownish purple in the shoot, during the summer months dull glossy dark green and violet red at the late autumn color.
Kaiser-Erle
The imperial alder (Alnus glutinosa, Imperialis') is a cultivated form of black alder and develops into a loosely built, up to ten -meter-high tree with overhanging branches. The delicate leaves are provided on each side with three to four narrow, deeply cut lobes.
Tips
The magnolia-related tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), a non-native tree cultivated in gardens, also produces six to eight-centimeter-long, cone-shaped shrubs.