# Black Alder

## Alnus glutinosa G.

NATURE | deciduous tree
LEAF | singular leaf
| Leaf edge: saw-toothed
Leaf shape: inversely egg-shaped
Nervation: feather-veined
FRUIT | nut
INFLORESCENCE | in amentums

Medical value: The leaves can be used as an antipyretic. The bark is also antipyretic, as well as wound cleansing. Oxen and horses can be protected against insects and irritations by spraying them with a decoction of the leaves.
Use: The wood is light, soft and easy to work. In former times it was often used to carve wooden shoes. The wood is sustainable in water and Venice is partly built on Alder and Elm wood. Nowadays it is used for papermaking, box constructing and carving. Because of its long outgrowths, this tree is often implanted as fortification of riverbanks. Siskins love the fruits.

Legend:

Bloom. All months in which we can find blooming specimens. Regional differences may occur.
Harvest Time. All months in which we can find ripe fruits on trees. Unripe fruit can be found earlier on trees and shrubs. Sometimes even throughout the year, as happens with trees such as pines, this fruit ripens over several years.
Both flowers and ripe fruit may occur at the same time in some months.