Common Name:

General Information

Alnus nitida is a deciduous tree that can grow 20 metres or more tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. A very ornamental tree[], it is cultivated as a roadside tree in Pakistan[].
This species has a wide distribution, is common along river banks within its range and occurs as pure stands in parts of its range. Although potential threats have been identified, there are no known major threats currently impacting the survival of this species. 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 - Himalayas from Pakistan to Nepal.

Habitat

By rivers and streams, sometimes the dominant species; at elevations from 600 - 1,200 metres, occasionally to 2,700 metres[, , ].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Trees probably tolerate temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c and so will not succeed outdoors in the colder areas of the temperate zone.
Prefers a heavy soil and a damp situation[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils[]. Tolerates drier soils than most members of this genus[]. Succeeds in very infertile sites[].
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

A decoction of the bark is applied externally to treat swellings and body pains[].

Other Uses

Tannin is obtained from the bark, it is used in dyeing[, , ].

The young twigs are used for tying loads, rope-bridges, and for the construction of baskets[, ].


The wood is soft, even grained, hard to cut. It is used for construction and furniture making[, , ].

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.