Alder

Deciduous, medium deciduous tree of the birch family (Betulaceae) up to a height of about 25 m. There are 3 species native to Central Europe: the green, grey and black alder. There are about 30 species of alder in the world, almost exclusively in the northern hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America). They can live up to 120 years. The leaves are 2-3 cm long stalked, with a 4-9 cm long spread. Often fringed or slightly pointed at the front. Dark green on top, yellowish tufts of hair underneath. The flowers of the alder are wind-pollinated, the fruits are spread by it.

From an allergological point of view, alder pollen plays a major role (see below pollen, tree pollen). The pollen fly from February to April. The main allergen of alder pollen is the protein Aln g 1, which causes cross-allergies to birch, beech, oak and hazel.

The alder is at home along running waters.

The alder stands for fertility, joy and life after death. It stimulates spirituality and female sensuality and conveys freshness and vivacity. Potions and incense from the bark and leaves of the alder are used to let go of "old" things better (fire at the edge of the forest). Further indications are diseases of the rheumatic form.

The name black alder is probably based on the old use of its bark for dyeing leather black and for producing black ink from its fruit cones.