Alder is typically used for planting in wet areas, alongside streams and rivers, and in wet woodlands and coastal areas.   Alder can stand in water about 5 inches deep making this a very versatile tree. Alder leaves are round, pear shaped with a toothed margin. The leaves will remain on the tree until quite late in the year. Alder twigs can be ‘sticky’ hence the name glutinosa. Alder grows quickly and dislikes dry soil