Family: Betulaceae
Author: (Thunb.) Steud.
Bibliography: Nomencl. Bot., ed. 2, 1: 55 (1840)
Year: 1840
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Alnus
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Russian Far East to E. China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan
Description
Japanese alder, a member of the Betulaceae family, is scientifically known as Alnus japonica. This deciduous tree was first described in 1840 by the botanist Carl Thunberg and later classified by Ernst Gottlieb von Steudel. It is primarily found across various parts of East Asia, ranging from the southern reaches of the Russian Far East to Eastern China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.
Adapting well to a variety of habitats, Japanese alder typically thrives in moist environments, often seen flourishing along riverbanks and in wetlands. Its ability to fix nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with root-associated bacteria makes it a valuable species for improving soil fertility, particularly in degraded or disturbed land. This environmental contribution underscores its ecological significance in maintaining soil health and supporting biodiverse ecosystems.
The tree grows to an average height of 15 to 20 meters and features distinctive ovate leaves with serrated edges, which turn a vibrant yellow in autumn before falling. In spring, it produces catkins, with male catkins appearing as long, drooping clusters and female catkins being smaller and less conspicuous. Following pollination, the female catkins develop into woody, cone-like structures that contain the seeds. These seeds are later dispersed by wind, aiding in the plant’s propagation and expansion throughout its natural habitat.
Japanese alder wood is relatively lightweight and has historically been used in construction and carpentry, praised for its workability and resistance to rot. Additionally, the bark and leaves have found use in traditional medicinal practices in some cultures, though such applications are less common today.
In landscape architecture, the Japanese alder is sometimes employed for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to provide effective erosion control along water bodies. Its rapid growth and resilience to various environmental stresses make it a practical choice for land reclamation projects and ecological restoration initiatives.
Overall, the Japanese alder stands out not only for its ecological benefits but also for its adaptability and utility, making it an important species within its native range and for horticultural purposes worldwide.
Common Names
Fra: aulne du japon
Eng: japanese alder
Swe: japansk al
Kor: o-ri-na-mu
Jpn: han-no-ki
Zho: ri ben qi mu
En: Japanese alder
Az: Yapon qızılağacı
Bg: Японска елша
Zh: Ri ben qi mu, 日本桤木
Nl: Japanse els
Fi: Japaninleppä
Fr: Aulne du Japon
De: Japanische Erle
Is: Mýraölur
It: Ontano giapponese
Ja: Han-no-ki
Ko: 오리나무, O-ri-na-mu
Fa: توسکای ژاپنی
Pl: Olsza japońska
Ru: Ольха японская
Es: Aliso japonés
Sv: Japansk al
Zh-tw: 日本桤木
Zh-hant: 日本榿木
Tr: Japon kızılağacı
Synonyms
- Alnus harinoki (Siebold)
- Alnus × borealis var. koreana ((Callier) Nakai)
- Alnus japonica var. rufinervis (Honda)
- Betula japonica (Thunb.)
- Alnus japonica var. reginosa (Nakai)
- Alnus japonica var. villosa (L.Zhao & D.Chen)
- Alnus japonica var. serrata (Nakai)
- Alnus japonica var. genuina (Callier)
- Alnus japonica f. serrata ((Nakai) M.Kim)
- Alnus japonica var. rufa (Nakai)
- Alnus japonica f. arguta ((Regel) H.Ohba)
- Alnus maritima var. arguta (Regel)
- Alnus japonica var. latifolia (Callier)
- Alnus maritima var. japonica ((Thunb.) Regel)
- Alnus japonica f. koreana ((Callier) H.Ohba)
- Alnus japonica var. arguta ((Regel) Callier)
- Alnus japonica var. minor (Miq.)
- Alnus japonica var. koreana (Callier)
- Alnus reginosa (Nakai)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Taiwan (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 28, 2021 by hanne stawarz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Jonathan Silvertown (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2022 by yann kohler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Veronique Bondut (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 18, 2022 by esiocnarf gerver (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 3, 2022 by Lea Bouvier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2020 by Tineke Menalda (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 18, 2022 by Cerise (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Diana Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Jonathan Silvertown (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 10, 2021 by Alain Louis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Jonathan Silvertown (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2020 by Cantão Luciana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2021 by bismilla (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nguyễn Hùng (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Chiodaroli Federico (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by B V (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 23, 2022 by jean-louis Charleux (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Diana Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Boumlik Messaïli (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Diana Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 16, 2020 by Tineke Menalda (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2021 by Ludovic DYEN (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2876196)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:294936-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alnus japonica (Thunb.) Steud.)