Medium-sized tree reaching up to 30 meters high, common along waterways in Europe, Asia and northern Africa, from level ground to mid-mountain; this species is often kept at shrub size by pruning. In the past, given its ability to acquire resistance when immersed in water, alder wood was brought to the Venice area as construction material: the Rialto Bridge’s foundations are said to be made of this very type of wood.
Black alder
![Autore: Francesco Mezzalira](https://www.risorgivedibressanvido.it/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/FMDP_15814-1200x800.jpg)