Common Name:

General Information

Alnus firma is a deciduous, much-branched shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall[].
The tree is cultivated in Korea as a soil stabilizer on slopes[].
Very little information is available on the status of the wild population of this species within its natural range. The plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern Japan (Kyushu)

Habitat

Mountains[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Prefers a heavy soil and a damp situation[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils[]. Tolerates very infertile sites[]. This species grows on poor, dry, sandy and gravelly soils[].
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:

This species is cultivated and planted in the southern part of Korea (outside its natural range) and has been used extensively to control erosion and to improve the soil on recently cleared or unstable slopes. It has spread from planting areas and become widely naturalized[].

Other Uses

None known

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.