Common Name:

General Information

Alnus cremastogyne is a deciduous tree with a spreading crown; it can grow up to 40 metres tall. The straight bole can be 100cm in diameter[, , ].
This species has the potential to be a very promising broad-leaved tree species for commercial purposes[].
The tree is endemic to southwestern China with a fairly small natural distribution. Although there are some reported threats impacting the survival of this species in parts of its range, it grows rapidly and has a rapid regeneration rate. It is also being planted at restoration sites within its natural range. This species is therefore not considered to be threatened. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China

Habitat

Forests on mountain slopes or along streambanks; at elevations from 500 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	30.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[]. Prefers a heavy soil and a damp situation[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils[]. Tolerates very infertile sites[].
A fast growing tree[].
This species is widely planted along the Yangtze valley and has now reached 1.5 million hectares, extending by 7,000 hectares annually[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil micro-organisms, these form nodules on the roots of the plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is used extensively in vegetation restoration south of the Yangtze river[].

Other Uses

The wood is of very little value except as fuel, but is also employed for making the small boxes used in western China for transporting silver ingots[]..

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe and only just covered[]. Spring sown seed should also germinate successfully so long as it is not covered[, ]. The seed should germinate in the spring as the weather warms up. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. If growth is sufficient, it is possible to plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer, otherwise keep them in pots outdoors and plant them out in the spring.
If you have sufficient quantity of seed, it can be sown thinly in an outdoor seed bed in the spring[]. The seedlings can either be planted out into their permanent positions in the autumn/winter, or they can be allowed to grow on in the seed bed for a further season before planting them.
Cuttings of mature wood, taken as soon as the leaves fall in autumn, outdoors in sandy soil.