lime or alder

[andywood]

Can anyone tell me how to tell the differece between coppiced lime and alder while there is still no leaf, Cheers

[Stephen Blair]

Alder will be darker in colour with a rougher Bark

[armybloke]

Can anyone tell me how to tell the differece between coppiced lime and alder while there is still no leaf, Cheers

 

Any leaf litter from last year hanging around? Old photos for evidence?

[mattplace]

If theres new shoots, lime buds are distinctly red in colour.

[janey]

At this time of year, alder species will have catkins.

[dave fox]

catkins under the tree?

[janey]

catkins under the tree?

 

Possibly... If they've fallen from the regrowth above

 

I was assuming there was some regrowth from the coppice stools and that we weren't trying to ID stumps

[delabodge]

high chance the alder stools may still be red in colour, depends when coppiced, and very rough bark,,,,

[Goaty]

If you have both the lime is a softer wood. Alder is used to make clogs and rock hard also if native Alder Alnus glutinosa the buds are held away from stem on a little stalk. Google the latin and find pictures. However A rubra A incana A cordata plus more are grown in this country.

[APC]

If you cut a small stem, perhaps around 1-2 inch diameter, smash the stump with a hammer, it will explode if alder, as alder is made of gun powder. If you have a sudden urge to have a bottle of Corona after beating the stump, you have a lime on your hands.

 

Wear safety goggles.