Alnus incana / Ontano bianco

Origin: Europe, western Asia.

Botanical characteristics: It is a medium size tree with dense, pyramidal head. It can reach 20 m in height. The leaves are large, oval, with serrated margin, a truncate base and pointed apex. They are pubescent and dark green above and greyish below. It is a monoecious plant, the male and female flowers are separated. The infructescenses are green, ovoid, 1 cm long. In winter they become woody and persist on the plant. The bark is greenish-brown with punctiform lenticels.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It widespread in the north of the peninsula. It is found in riparian forests in the mountains, up to 1300m of altitude. It adapts to moderately dry and calcareous soils. It can not stand stagnant moisture.

Use: It is used for reforestations, consolidation of slopes, river banks coating. It should be valuated as ornamental plant.