Alnus Viridis (vill.) Lam. & Dc. Var. Crispa (ait.) House - >>alnus Viridis Ssp. Crispa

Origin and Common Names

Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. var. crispa (Ait.) House, also known as the Green Alder, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Betulaceae family. This plant is widely found in North America and Eurasia, growing in moist soils along wetlands, streams, and rivers. It's commonly referred to by many names, including the Mountain Alder, Speckled Alder, and Tag Alder.

Appearance

The Green Alder can grow up to 10 meters tall, but it's commonly found as a shrub with a height range between 2-5 meters. This plant has dark green, alternate, and simple oval leaves that are around 2-7 cm long and saw-toothed towards the edges. The upper surface of the leaves is smooth, while the bottom surface is fuzzy and lighter in color. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before falling off. One can identify the Green Alder by its striking bark, which is dark brown, smooth, and often covered by small wart-like growths. The shrub produces small male and female catkins in the spring, which bloom early before the leaves fully develop. The female catkins develop into cone-like fruits that are brown, woody, and contain tiny seeds.

Uses

The Green Alder is known by many cultures for its medicinal properties. Native Americans widely used it to cure a variety of ailments, including headaches, fever, and skin conditions. The bark and leaves were used as a diuretic, and the cones as a treatment for sore throats and mouth ulcers. Due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities, the Green Alder is also used as a soil stabilizer in riparian zones, mine rehabilitation, and reforestation projects. In landscaping, some cultivars are used as ornamental plants due to their striking foliage and ability to tolerate wet soils. Finally, the wood of the Green Alder is soft and not durable, making it unsuitable for construction or furniture products.

Light Requirements

Alnus viridis var. crispa prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In shaded areas, the plant may grow taller and spindlier as it stretches towards available sunlight. However, in excessive sunlight, the plant's leaves may become scorched and fall off. Therefore, partial shade is ideal for this plant.

Temperature Requirements

This plant is well adapted to a variety of climates and can grow in both cool and warm temperatures. However, it prefers a cool climate and tends to grow better in temperatures ranging from 5 to 20°C. Extreme heat can damage the leaves of the plant, while freezing temperatures may kill the plant.

Soil Requirements

Alnus viridis var. crispa grows best in soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5, that is rich in organic matter and moisture. The plant needs a well-draining soil to avoid waterlogged conditions that could kill the roots. The plant is tolerant of different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soil. However, the plant requires good aeration to ensure the roots receive sufficient oxygen for growth.

Cultivation Methods for Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. var. crispa (Ait.) House

Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. var. crispa (Ait.) House, also known as green alder, is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is also tolerant of various soil types, including clay and loam. To cultivate Alnus viridis, follow these steps:

• Select a planting site that receives full sun or partial shade.
• Ensure the soil is moist, well-drained, and of good quality.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the plant's container.
• Remove the plant from its container and loosen any tangled roots.
• Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently tamping down to remove any air pockets.
• Water thoroughly.
• Cover the soil with a layer of mulch to retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.

Watering Needs for Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. var. crispa (Ait.) House

Watering is essential to maintaining healthy Alnus viridis plants. The plant prefers consistently moist soil, but do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot. The amount of water required will depend on the climate, soil type, and age of the plant. As a general rule:

• Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Check the soil moisture level regularly by sticking your finger in the soil. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.
• Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can promote fungal growth.
• During the winter, reduce watering to once a month.

Fertilization of Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. var. crispa (Ait.) House

Fertilization can help to promote healthy plant growth and vibrant foliage. However, Alnus viridis does not require heavy fertilization and can thrive without added nutrients. If you decide to fertilize, follow these guidelines:

• Fertilize in early spring or late fall, just before the growing season.
• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for trees and shrubs.
• Apply fertilizer at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves and stems.
• Water well after fertilizing to help the nutrients penetrate the soil.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and weak branches.

Pruning of Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC. var. crispa (Ait.) House

Pruning is important to maintain the shape and size of Alnus viridis and to promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Follow these pruning guidelines:

• Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
• Prune back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
• Thin out the interior of the plant to promote airflow and sunlight penetration.
• Use clean, sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts just above the branch collar.
• Do not prune more than one-third of the plant's total foliage in one year.

Propagation of Alnus viridis var. crispa

Alnus viridis var. crispa, commonly known as green alder, can be propagated through different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and layering.

Propagation by Seeds

The most common method for propagating Alnus viridis var. crispa is by seeds. The seeds are usually collected in late summer/early fall when they are mature and have turned brown. Cleaning the seeds before sowing is recommended to remove any fleshy tissues. Seeds can be stratified in the refrigerator for 60 to 90 days before sowing to break dormancy. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture, and keep them moist and warm until germination occurs.

Propagation by Cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is another technique that can be used for Alnus viridis var. crispa. The best time to take cuttings is in early summer when the new shoots have hardened off. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to take 6- to 8-inch long cuttings and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a container with a well-draining soil mixture. Water the container and cover it with a plastic bag or a propagation dome to maintain high humidity and prevent the cutting from drying out. Place the container in a shaded area and keep the soil moist until the cutting starts to root.

Propagation by Layering

Propagation by layering involves bending a low-hanging branch of an established plant down to the soil and partially burying it, leaving the tip of the branch exposed. The branch is held in place with a U-shaped wire, rock, or stake. Roots will develop from the buried portion of the branch, and a new plant will grow. The tip of the branch can be cut from the parent plant once the new plant has established its own root system.

Propagation of Alnus viridis var. crispa can be a fun and rewarding experience for plant lovers. Depending on your preferences and available resources, choose the propagation method that works best for you.

Disease Management

Alnus viridis var. crispa is a hardy plant and is generally resistant to most diseases. However, in cases where infections do occur, they can be managed through various practices. One of the most crucial disease management practices is ensuring proper plant nutrition and care to keep the plant healthy and strong enough to resist infections. Additionally, pruning infected stems and leaves and removing them from the plant can help prevent the infection from spreading. Fungal infections, such as cankers, root rots, and leaf spots, can be treated using appropriate fungicides, such as copper fungicides, as prescribed by a certified professional.

Pest Management

While the Alnus viridis var. crispa is resistant to most pests, certain insects can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect the plant include aphids, scales, and borers. Aphids are small insects that cause damage by feeding on the plant sap, and they can be managed through insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils. Scales are more difficult to control and can be managed through pruning infested stems and leaves or through the use of systemic insecticides. Borers, on the other hand, are tricky to manage as they burrow into the trees' bark and may require the use of specialized insecticides.

To effectively manage pests, it's crucial to identify the pest species correctly and tailor your management practices to that pest. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, which involve the use of chemical and non-chemical pest management practices, can also be employed to manage pests. These practices aim to reduce the use of chemicals while still effectively managing pests, thereby minimizing the impact on the environment and the plant's overall health.