Origin
Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman is a deciduous shrub of the Betulaceae family. It is native to northern and central Europe, including Scandinavia, and also found in parts of Asia such as Siberia and Japan. It grows in moist soils, particularly near water bodies such as rivers and lakes, and typically found in mountain meadows, forests, and tundra regions.
Common Names
The Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman is commonly known as the green alder, mountain alder, or alder buckthorn. In some parts of Europe, it is referred to as the dwarf alder due to its small size.
Uses
The green alder has several uses, both medicinal and practical. It has been traditionally used for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It can be used to treat wounds, relieve insect bites, and help with digestive issues. It is also commonly used in the production of activated carbon, which is used for water filtration and purification. Additionally, the shrub can be used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
General Appearance
The Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height. Its leaves are dark green and elliptical-shaped, with serrated edges. The shrub produces small, cone-shaped flowers that are yellow-green in color and bloom in the spring. In the fall, it produces small, round fruits that turn from green to brown. Its bark is light brown and smooth when young, but becomes rough and scaly as it matures.
Overall, the Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman is a hardy and versatile shrub that serves a variety of purposes. Its small size, astringent properties, and ability to prevent soil erosion make it a valuable asset to many ecosystems.Light Requirements
Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman is highly adapted to grow in bright sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but full sunlight exposure is preferable. The plant is also adapted to grow in open areas such as riverbanks, meadows, and disturbed sites.
Temperature Requirements
The Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman plant species is adapted to grow in very cold regions, and its range extends from the Arctic Circle to the subalpine areas of the Rocky Mountains. The plant can tolerate very low winter temperatures, but it also requires a warm period to break its seed dormancy and initiate its growth cycle. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 10°C and 20°C.
Soil Requirements
The Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman plant species can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers moist, well-drained soils. The plant can also tolerate poorly drained or compacted soils. It is commonly found growing in nutrient-rich soils, such as riverbanks and wetlands, where the soil is periodically inundated with water and organic matter accumulates. The pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5, and it can tolerate moderately acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
Cultivation methods for Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman
Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman, commonly known as Green Alder, is a beautiful plant that can add a touch of elegance to your garden. The plant is very hardy and can thrive in various conditions.
The ideal location for planting Green Alder is where there is a partial or full sun exposure, although it can also grow in shaded areas. It prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil but can tolerate any soil type, including clay. The plant is suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones 1-7.
You can propagate Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman through seed or cuttings. The best time for planting is during the early spring when the seed has just started to germinate. However, you must ensure that the soil is moist and warm.
Watering Needs of Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman
Green Alder thrives in moist soil. You must, therefore, ensure that you keep it well-watered throughout the growing season. During the first few weeks after planting, water the plant deeply and frequently to enable it to establish its root system. You can then start gradually reducing the frequency of watering.
When watering Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman, you must avoid getting water on the leaves. Instead, aim at watering the soil around the plant.
Fertilization of Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman
Green Alder is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning that it can obtain nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that other plants can use. Consequently, you may not need to fertilize it often. However, since it is a shrub, it can benefit from a slow-release, balanced fertilizer, applied once in the spring or early fall.
You can also improve the soil's fertility by adding compost around the base of the plant.
Pruning Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman
Green Alder requires minimal pruning since it is a shrub that maintains its natural shape. You may need to prune it only to remove any dead or damaged branches, which you can do at any time of the year. You can also control its size by trimming it back after the flowers have bloomed.
You can also prune Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. ssp. fruticosa (Rupr.) Nyman to create a hedge or a screen. Prune each stem back by one-third its length, about 2 inches above a leaf or a bud. You can then thin out the lateral branches, leaving only a few that are evenly spaced apart.
Propagation of Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa
Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa, commonly known as Green alder or Mountain alder, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. The plant is native to the northern hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. It is popularly cultivated for reforestation, erosion control, and ornamental purposes. The propagation of Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa can be done through various methods, which are explained below.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and primary method of propagating Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa. The seeds are extracted from mature cones in autumn or early winter. The extracted seeds must be treated with boiling water or acid scarification to reduce the seed coat's hardness. This process will enhance the germination rate. Sow the treated seeds in moist, well-drained soil inside containers. After germination, allow them to grow for at least two years before transplanting them to their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is an alternative method of propagating Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa. The method involves taking cuttings from mature and healthy plants in autumn or early winter. Select a branch with a diameter of at least 5 mm and a length of 15-20 cm. Trim the bottom of the cutting at an angle and dip it into a rooting hormone solution to promote root formation. Plant the cutting into a moist, well-draining substrate. Cover the containers with a plastic bag or a propagator to maintain high humidity. Transplant the cuttings after they have developed enough roots.
Suckers Propagation
Suckers propagation is another method of propagating Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa. The method involves taking advantage of the plant's natural ability to produce suckers or vegetative shoots. Suckers are new sprouts that emerge from the plant's base or root. They can be divided from the parent plant and replanted into their permanent location. Ensure that each sucker has roots and stems before separating it from the parent plant. Transplant the suckers during the dormant season to increase their survival rate.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is a reliable method of propagating Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa. The method involves creating a wound on a mature branch and wrapping it with moist moss or coco peat. After some time, roots will emerge from the wound. Cut the branch below the rooted section and plant the new plant into its permanent location.
Propagation of Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa is essential to maintain the plant's population and ensure its availability for various purposes. The propagation methods highlighted above provide different options for propagating the plant based on the grower's resources and preferences.
Disease Management
Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa is generally resistant to diseases, but it can still be affected by some fungal diseases. The most common ones are:
- Leaf Spot: this is caused by the fungi Mycosphaerella alni and is characterized by small dark spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, infected leaves must be removed and destroyed. Additionally, leaves should be kept dry, and the soil should not be overwatered.
- Rust: this is caused by the fungi Melampsora alni and is characterized by yellow-orange spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Additionally, leaves and stems should be kept dry.
Pest Management
Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa can be affected by some pests. The most common ones are:
- Aphids: these tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to shrivel and curl. To manage an aphid infestation, a strong jet of water can be used to knock them off the leaves. Alternatively, insecticidal soap can be applied to the leaves.
- Mites: these tiny arachnids also suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to become stippled and yellow. To manage a mite infestation, a strong jet of water can be used to knock them off the leaves. Alternatively, a miticide can be applied to the leaves.
- Leaf miners: the larvae of these insects burrow into the leaves and create squiggly lines. To manage a leaf miner infestation, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Additionally, adult leaf miners can be trapped with sticky yellow cards placed near the plant.
