This deciduous tree has an upright trunk with greyish bark and spreading branches that forms a broad conical habit. It has dark green oval leaves and the pendant yellow-brown catkins that appear during late winter.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9 

Alnus glutinosa is naturally found from Europe to North Africa and western Asia growing in damp to wet sandy loams with low fertility in an open sunny position and is drought tender but frost resistant and tolerates cold conditions.  

Common Alder is a deciduous tree that is grown for its attractive habit and is planted along and around watercourses in wet soils or as a lawn specimen for shade. It is suitable for large gardens and parks establishing in 3 to 5 years and normally reaching 10m (30ft) under cultivation. ID 1426

Note:
The bark is dark brown becoming furrowed or shedding in plates and the roots contain micro-organisms that fix nitrogen from the air improving soil fertility.

Alnus (ĂL-nus) glutinosa (gloo-ti-NÕ-sa) 

Betulaceae (BE-tul-AY-see-ee)
Birch