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Identify catkin & cones from tree

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  • 03-03-2008 3:02pm
    #1
    ifconfig
    Registered Users Posts: 880 ✭✭✭


    I've attached an image of a catkin and some cones taken from a
    roadside tree. These seem to be abundent at the moment.
    Based on my checks on google images,etc these look like either
    alder or hazel - I'm betting the former. Can anyone confirm ?

    -ifc


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    #2
    Alun
    Registered Users Posts: 21,470 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    It's an alder of some kind. The long drooping catkins are the males and the 'cones' are the female catkins that start off as erect catkins and then mature to form green 'cones' that turn woody later on.


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    #3
    ifconfig
    Registered Users Posts: 880 ✭✭✭ifconfig


    Thanks Alun.

    Street naive question - I'm assuming I haven't caused the tree any
    measurable or irreparable harm by taking a little sampling of the cones
    and (single) catkin on my amateur nature walk.
    In general are there "do's" and "don'ts" regarding what is reasonable
    to do in terms of taking a little sample from a thriving tree ?

    -ifc


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    #4
    Alun
    Registered Users Posts: 21,470 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    No, I'd say you're grand just taking small samples like that. I often do it if I see something I don't recognise so I can look it up in my tree book when I get home.


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    #5
    Irish Gardener
    Registered Users Posts: 451 ✭✭Irish Gardener


    ifconfig wrote: »
    I've attached an image of a catkin and some cones taken from a
    roadside tree. These seem to be abundent at the moment.
    Based on my checks on google images,etc these look like either
    alder or hazel - I'm betting the former. Can anyone confirm ?

    -ifc

    Looks like alder alright..... Black Alder ... Alnus glutinosa ... Fearnóg


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