ALDER
(Alnus glutinosa)
The tall-growing native alder is happiest beside a freshwater river or stream, but it is also very adaptable to garden sites. It is particularly useful in cities and towns because of its resistance to air pollution.
| type | Deciduous tree |
| flowers | Catkins appear in late winter/early spring. Male catkins are long and yellow; females are round and purplish |
| height | 10–15m (30–50ft) |
| spread | 3m (10ft) |
| planting | Plant young trees from mid-autumn to early spring |
| site | In a marshy area or at the back of a woodland belt |
| soil | Prefers damp, waterlogged soil |
| care | No special care needed |
| propagation | From seed collected in autumn |
| varieties | A. glutinosa ‘Imperialis’ is smaller and slower growing — more suitable for average-sized gardens |
| wildlife value | There are around ninety insect species associated with alder, including the alder fly and alder moth. As the weather warms up the male catkins open and disperse a cloud of pollen to fertilise the female catkins. In autumn and winter the tree is a good source of seed for siskins, redpolls and other small birds |
HAZEL
(Corylus avellana)
An ancient native shrub that forms thickets in the wild and bears the distinctive ‘lambs’-tails’ catkins and edible hazelnuts or cobnuts. Traditionally coppiced to produce flexible lengths for woven fencing and basket making.
| type | Deciduous shrub |
| flowers | Catkins in late winter. Male catkins are yellow; female are tiny red tassels |
| height | 4–6m (12–20ft) |
| spread | 5m (15ft) |
| planting | Plant young trees between mid-autumn and early spring |
| site | Sunny or partly shaded. In a shrub border or amongst larger trees |
| soil | Any well-drained soil |
| care | No pruning required. If planted as part of a mini woodland, hazel can be coppiced (regularly cut back to ground level so that new straight shoots are sent out from the base), allowing more light to the woodland floor. In the autumn, nuts should be collected when the husks have turned brown and stored in a dry, airy place |
| propagation varieties | By seed collected in the autumn Corkscrew hazel (C. avellana ‘Contorta’) is a good alternative for a small garden. It has the same bright yellow catkins, but it is slow-growing and will only reach 2.5m (8ft) in height. The stems are twisted, hence the name |
| wildlife value | At this time of year, a gust of wind causes the catkins to release a cloud of pollen, for the benefit of early foraging bees and insects. In autumn the nuts are collected by squirrels and field mice, who add them to their winter store |
STINKING HELLEBORE
(Helleborus foetidus)
The stinking hellebore earned its name from the seed pods which produce an acrid smell when crushed, although certainly not as unpleasant as the name suggests. It is quite a rare plant in the wild, although it can be found in old woodlands on chalky soils. The unusual pallid flowers and dramatic leaves make it an interesting garden plant and a useful supply of early nectar.
| type | Perennial, evergreen |
| flowers | Yellow-green with purple rim, late winter to mid-spring |
| height | 60cm (24in) |
| planting | Plant pot-grown plants in autumn |
| site | Shade |
| soil | Dry, chalky |
| care | Leave undisturbed |
| propagation related species | From seed in summer The green hellebore (Helleborus viridis) also flowers this month and can be distinguished by the wholly green flowers, without the purple edging. It is smaller, only 45cm (18in) high, and it prefers a moist soil. The leaves are deciduous, dying back in summer |
| wildlife value | Both hellebores are a ready source of nectar for early honey and bumble bees. H. viridis flowers a couple of weeks later than H. foetidus, so by planting both, a continuous supply of nectar is assured |
SWEET VIOLET
(Viola
