Alder - swamp-dwellers and water-lovers - what do these trees want to tell us?

We are nearly at the Spring Equinox , whoop! Whilst I love all the seasons, this year the promise that comes with the return of Spring is much needed.

The next phase of the Ogham calendar moves into Alder (Alnus glutinosa). Spanning from March 18th, when the Alder first blooms, to April 14th, marking the drying up of the Winter floods by the Spring sun.

Alder is a tree I admit I knew very little about until discovering the Celtic trees. If you know more than I did about Alder trees you will know that there is Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and Alder (Alnus Glutinosa). These two aren’t from the same family of trees and are different - perhaps they share a “common name” because they  prefer wet habitats?  This phase we are looking at the Alder (Alnus glutinosa).

Ogham: Alder (Fearn)
18th March - 14th April

Those born under the Alder tree may find their character corresponds to its nature. What do you think?

“Your fondness of the aquatic is well known. You are a generous provider of gifts and food, selflessly taking pleasure in sustaining those around you. In fact, those in your circle tend to benefit from good luck and prosperity. You have a rare talent for understanding different points of view, with an uncanny ability to ward off the unpleasant and evil. At your heart, you are more durable than any other.”

The Tree Almanac, Dr Gabriel Hemery

Dendrology: Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

Have fun searching out an Alder tree using these clues. It could lead to an adventure!

I had real trouble finding one in my local area (Weald of Kent) - but my Dad has recently planted lots of little native trees on his land in North Wales (with the help of the Woodland Trust) and Alder was one of them. My little Alder dolls travelled with me to North Wales on the train for their photoshoot. The little saplings featured have been in the ground for two years now and the positive impact on the wildlife in his area is amazing.

Here are a few clues to help you find one:

1. They are swamp-dwellers and water-lovers, look near marshes, rivers, ponds and lakes. They don’t rot when waterlogged, instead turning stronger and harder

2. The dark green leaves are never pointed and often indented at the tip.

3. Look out for the small brown cones which are the female catkins and stay on the tree all year round.

4. The roots make the perfect nest sites for otters - so perhaps you’ll find them together?

Folklore

“Alder, who unfolded
before the receding glaciers

first one leaf and then the other,
won’t you teach me

a way to live
on this damp ambiguous earth?”

Excerpt from the poem Alder by Kathleen Jamie

• Alder was celebrated for three fine dyes; red from bark, green from flowers and brown from the twigs - representing fire, water and earth.

• The green dye from the flowers was used to colour and camouflage the clothes of outlaws like Robin Hood.

• Alder dye was thought to also colour the clothes of fairies.

• When it’s cut, the pale wood turns a deep orange, giving the impression of bleeding - many people feared Alder trees because of this.

• In the past if you felled a sacred alder tree it could result in the burning down of your home!

• Alder was used for making milk pails and was renowed for guarding the milk.

• Finally Alder is a tree of fire, representing the power to free the earth from water, and makes excellent charcoal.

Upcoming dates  for this phase

March

20th March Spring Equinox, Eid al-Fitr and Ostara (Pagan celebration of Spring)
29th March Palm Sunday and the clocks change marking the start of British Summer Time
1st April Passover and April fool’s day
3rd April Good Friday
5th April Easter Sunday
14th April St Tiburtius’ Day - listen for the cuckoo as traditionally this is the day they start calling

Activity: Make bees from Alder cones

We made bees from Alder cones for our nature table- it would be a lovely way to mark the Spring Equinox! Full instructions —>