Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
25m 5
Usually begins to die back after reaching 15m 6
23m 7

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres: Narrow, pyramidal, 4-8m wide 2

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Low (92 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Moderately open 4

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Early (Apr to Nov 1)

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: High 24

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree:
Usually begins to die back after 15 years 6
60-100 years longevity 8

Management & Systems

Typical systemsiCommon agroforestry or silvicultural systems where this species is used:
Lowland 2
Pasture 5

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability:
Coppices well when young 6
Can be coppiced on short cycles 1

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree: Fast-growing, pioneer species 16

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Minimal pruning 1

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Spring (late) to summer 1

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: –

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp:
Timber, pulpwood 2
Max YC 12 4

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: –

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: –

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: –

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products:
Usually begins to die back after 15 years 6
Pulpwood rotation of 10-12 years, sawlog 30-32 years 8

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Low – low canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: Yes 11

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): High
Medium-term (40 years): High
Long-term (60 years): High

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Recent introduction (neophyte) – naturalised 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups: Likely low to moderate value, based on neophyte status but similarity to Common Alder

Other environmental impactsiOther impacts such as water consumption and nutrient leaching: Can increase nitrate leaching and acidification in areas already receiving moderate N deposition 3