This large tree has a grey-brown trunk with spreading branches that form an open conical crown. It has dark green elliptical leaves and the yellow male and female catkins appear in early spring before the new growth on the same tree.  

Hardiness zones 7 to 9 

Alnus japonica is naturally found from Japan to Korea and China growing in moist woodlands in well drained moderately fertile loams. It prefers an open sunny position and is drought tender but very cold and frost hardy. 

The Japanese Alder is grown for its foliage and habit. It is planted in large gardens or parks in moist positions and provides summer shade. It is suitable for coastal or low mountain regions establishing in 3 to 5 years. The roots contain micro-organisms that fix nitrogen from the air improving soil fertility. ID 2704

Alnus (ĂL-nus) japonica (ja-pon-ee-ka)

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