IFAS Extension
Urban Horticulture
Abstract
A popular tree of moist to wet soils, common alder is a moderate to fast-growing (two feet per year) deciduous tree which usually grows to 40 to 50 feet in height with a 20 to 40-foot spread and a 12 to 18-inch trunk but is capable of reaching 80 feet in height in the woods.
About this Publication
This document is ENH229, one of a series of the UF/IFAS Department of Environmental Horticulture. Original publication date November 1993. Revised December 2006. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2026 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
How to Cite
Gilman, E., & Watson, D. (2003). Alnus glutinosa: Common Alder. EDIS, 2003(10). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-st070-1993
Authors
Edward F. Gilman
professor emeritus, Department of Environmental Horticulture
Dennis G. Watson
former associate professor, UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Gainesville, FL
Contacts
Michael Andreu
Specialist
University of Florida
professor, forest systems, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences