| Alnus subcordata | |
|---|---|
| |
| In Azerbaijan | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Betulaceae |
| Genus: | Alnus |
| Subgenus: | Alnus subg. Alnus |
| Species: | A. subcordata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Alnus subcordata | |
Alnus subcordata, the Caucasian alder,[1] is a species in the family Betulaceae, prevalent in the Hyrcanian woodlands situated in the Caspian Mountains of northern Iran and southeast Azerbaijan.[2][3] It is closely related to the Italian alder (A. cordata) and Alnus orientalis.[1]
It thrives across altitudes from sea level up to 2000 meters. This tree exhibits rapid growth in its natural habitat, predominantly river valleys. While it showcases adaptability to a diverse range of ecological conditions, it also demonstrates an ability to flourish in various growth habitats, particularly those at higher elevations.[3]
It is a deciduous tree growing to 15–25 m tall, with similar glossy green cordate leaves 5–15 cm long. The flowers are catkins, the male catkins very slender, 8–15 cm long, the female catkins small, maturing into a woody cone-like fruit 2–3 cm long containing numerous small winged seeds.[citation needed]
Two varieties have been recorded:[4]
- Alnus subcordata var. subcordata C.A. Mey.
- Alnus subcordata var. villosa (Regel) H.J.P.Winkl