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Glite Dictionary
Alnus glutinosa

Alnus glutinosa

9.1
A medium-sized tree with dark bark and rounded leaves that grows near rivers and wetlands in Europe and western Asia
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Alnus glutinosa
  • The Alnus glutinosa is commonly found along riverbanks and wetlands in Europe.

Examples

  • Botanists studied the Alnus glutinosa for its ability to improve soil fertility.

  • We planted an Alnus glutinosa in our garden to attract more wildlife.

  • The Alnus glutinosa is often found near rivers.

  • I planted an Alnus glutinosa in my backyard.

  • The Alnus glutinosa tree thrives in wetland areas throughout Europe.

  • You can often see the Alnus glutinosa near ponds and marshes, thanks to its preference for moist soil.

  • Local wildlife often nests in the branches of the Alnus glutinosa due to its abundant foliage.

Synonyms

European black alder
vsAlnus glutinosa
8.6

A medium-sized tree from Europe that grows near rivers and wetlands with dark bark and rounded leaves

is the scientific name rather than a common name
common alder
vsAlnus glutinosa
  • UK
5.2

A medium-sized tree that grows near rivers with small woody cones and leaves hairy underneath

is the scientific name rather than a common name
Alnus vulgaris
vsAlnus glutinosa
  • UK
9.9

A tree with dark bark and leaves that are hairy underneath that grows near rivers

is the scientific name rather than an alternative or common name

Surface Forms

Alnus glutinosa singular
Alnus glutinosa plural

Morphology

Alnus + glutinosa

This is a Latin binomial (genus + specific epithet). A learner who knows 'Alnus' as a group of alder trees can infer that the phrase names a species of that genus, but the epithet 'glutinosa' is not an English word and does not transparently convey the species' wetland habit or other features to a B1 learner. Thus the composition gives a partial clue (it's an Alnus species) but not the full, ordinary-language meaning.

Etymology

Alnus glutinosa comes from Latin: Alnus means 'alder' and glutinosa means 'sticky', because the tree has sticky buds and young shoots. So the name is like calling it the 'sticky alder', which fits this wetland tree often found near rivers.