Grey Alder (Alnus incana)

Grey Alder is considered by many to be the “weed” among Finland’s tree species. It has an abundance of tiny seeds inside its small “cones”, which have helped the species to spread throughout the country, right up to Lapland. It is a pioneer species that grows best in sunny environments. Grey Alder grows very quickly when young but has a short life span of only 50–60 years. The second alder species to grow in Finland, Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa), is only common in southern Finland.