Golden Alder: Difference between revisions

The Golden Alder tree shares many physical characteristics with the Common Alder (''Alnus glutinosa''). It typically grows to heights of 15-25 meters, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark is smooth and gray, almost white, becoming fissured with age. Its leaves are rounded to ovate, and have a slightly serrated margin. Unlike its cousin, they are not dark green, but of a yellow-golden colour. The most striking feature of the Golden Alder is its fruit: ca 5 cm long oval catkins which, upon maturing, take on a metallic golden sheen. The wood, when polished, also develops a distinctive golden shimmer, making it highly sought after for decorative uses.