European Alder, also called Common Alder, is a tall (30 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide), rounded to oval tree with small, round, serrated leaves, long catkin-like clusters, and little nutlets that resemble very small pine cones. This tree is not suited for dry landscapes, but could be a good choice where there is a high water table, moist soils, or along a waterway.
Grows best in course to medium, nutrient rich, moist soils and sunny to lightly shaded areas. European alder can tolerate floods but not drought. It is able to survive extremely cold winters. The seeds, buds, and catkins are important winter food for various birds, including chickadees and goldfinches.