Golden Alder

The Golden Alder, also known as Alnus incana Aurea, is a small tree that can add some winter interest to any garden. During winter, its bark and branches have an orangey-golden glow, which looks great alongside the bright cerise pink catkins that start forming as early as August. These catkins continue to grow in colour and size throughout the winter.

In spring, the catkins give way to new shoots and foliage that are golden in colour, making a considerable statement against the brightly coloured catkins. Alnus incana Aurea, not surprisingly, won the RHS Award of Merit in 1995.

It is a tree of small eventual stature, retaining a conical shape, much like its parent Alnus incana, yet it is distinctly less vigorous than the species.

It is a great choice for parks and gardens. Although it performs well in most soils, it thrives in moist soil and semi-shaded areas.

Mature Height: 7-12m

Common names

Golden Alder

Height of tree

7-12m

Soil type

Wet, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Pyramidal

Foliage Colour

Green

Good for waterlogged soil

Yes

Looks good in

Autumn

Location

Wetland

Genus

Alnus