Alnus ferdinandi coburgii seed

LATIN NAME: ALNUS FERDINANDI

COMMON NAME: Ferdinand’s Alder

The Ferdinand alder rustles the long, slender catkins in the early spring, the broad, toothed leaves following, and the small, woody cones that hold the seed through the winter. The tree grows fast into the tall, straight-trunked tree of the river valleys, the bark stays smooth and grey, and the whole plant carries the fresh, quick-growing look of the alders. The roots carry the nitrogen-fixing nodules, and the tree settles readily on the moist, disturbed ground. It likes the sun, the moisture, and the deep, rich soil.

Scientific Research & Plant Biotechnology

The alders have a practical reputation in the forestry studies, and the Ferdinand alder keeps its place among the fast-growing nitrogen-fixing trees of the warm valleys. The research covers the root nodules, the way the tree fixes the nitrogen and the growth on the poor, disturbed ground, while the foresters plant the alders for the soil enrichment and the erosion control. The wood finds the light, quick uses, and the growers of the fast, useful trees keep the species in their lists.

Ecological & Economic Value & Wide Applications

The Ferdinand alder is the tree that restores the soil as it grows. The nitrogen-fixing roots enrich the ground for the trees that follow, the wood serves the boxes, the matches and the light construction, and the fast growth gives the quick shade and the shelter. The catkins open early, feeding the bees, and the small cones feed the birds through the winter. Quick, generous and restorative in one.

The Ferdinand alder seeds germinate readily in a fine, sandy mix kept moist and bright. The seedlings push up thick and fast, and they grow on with the toothed leaves. Prick them out into the nursery rows once they hold the second pair of true leaves, and give them the sun and the moist, open ground. They transplant well, and the roots settle into the soil improvement from the start. The catkins come within the few years.

To grow the Ferdinand alder from seed, sow the tiny, winged seeds barely over the surface of the deep tray of fine, sandy mix, keep the tray in the bright, moist spot and mist gently. The seedlings shoot up within a couple of weeks, and they grow on fast. Stand the young trees in the moist, open ground, and the fresh crown will rustle through the years.

Uses: medicinal. Landscape