Hatv-dbook of Teees of the Noethekn States and Canada. 131 



The Black Alder is a naturalized tree found 

 in various localities in the Atlantic states, 

 particularly in southern New York and New 

 Jersej'. In its native home it is generally dis- 

 tributed over Europe, western Asia and 

 northern Africa in moist localities, and at- 

 tains a height of from 50 to 70 ft. with a 

 symmetrical pyramidal or when old rounded 

 top, and with trunk 1-2 ft. in diameter. Being 

 a vigorous growing tree of desirable qualities 

 for ornamental planting, particularlj' on low 

 grounds, it was brought to America and 

 planted for ornamental purposes, and being 

 possessed of a hardy adaptable constitution it 

 seeds freely and grows spontaneously in suit- 

 able localities. Few introduced trees of the 

 ornamental value of this are so well suited 

 to planting in very wet localities. Those 

 are mainly Willows and Poplars and among 

 them the straight smooth trunks of the Black 

 Alder, with their symmetrical tops of hand- 

 some foliage, have a very pleasing effect. They 

 are not, however, very long-lived trees with us, 

 and individuals are not found as large as those 

 in their native land. 



In Europe the tree is of considerable com- 

 mercial importance, as its soft straight- 

 grained wood is easily worked and valuable 

 in turnery, for wooden-ware, wooden-shoes, 

 etc., and for carving. It is valued, too, for 

 water pipes, pumps, piles, etc., and is largelj' 

 used for charcoal and fuel. The bark and 

 fruit are used in tanning leather and a yelio-.v 

 dye is made from the bark and leaves. The 

 bark is also used in medicine, having astringent 

 and alterative properties. 



Leaves orbicular to obovate. '2-^ in. long, mostl.v 

 obtuse at base and retuse or rounded at apex, 

 irregularly serrate-den rate, distiactly glutlDous at 

 first, glabrous dull green above, green and glabrous 

 or pubescent on the veins beneath. Flowers ap- 

 pear in early spring before the leaves ; staminate 

 araents 2-.'t in. and the pistillate about % in. long. 

 Fruit: strobile ohlong-ovoid, Vj-% in. long, with 

 wingless seeds. 



