Alnus Cordata (commonly known as the Italian Alder)

A  fast-growing deciduous tree native to southern Italy and Corsica.

🌿 Key Features

• Leaves: Heart-shaped (that’s what cordata means), glossy green

• Height: Typically grows 15–25 metres tall

• Growth rate: Fast

• Bark: Grey-brown and fairly smooth when young

• Catkins: Yellowish hanging flowers in spring

• Cones: Small woody cone-like seed structures.

🌍 Where It’s Used

It’s often planted in:

• Parks

• Roadsides

• Large gardens

• Windbreaks

It’s popular because it:

• Tolerates poor soil

• Handles pollution well

• Fixes nitrogen (improves soil fertility)

• Grows quickly