Discover the elegance of Alnus japonica, commonly known as Japanese Alder, an exquisite, low-maintenance tree ideal for bringing a touch of northeastern Asian beauty to your landscape. Standing at a height of 40 to 60 feet tall and spanning 30 to 50 feet wide, this deciduous tree is perfect for Zones 5 to 7, thriving in medium to wet soils under full sun to part shade. Its versatility extends to tolerating dry, infertile soils, making it the perfect candidate for challenging areas like moist low spots or dry sites with poor soils. Uncommon in the U.S., Japanese Alder features narrow, acuminate, dark green leaves with a light green underside, forming a beautiful conical to pyramidal shape. In spring, the tree presents insignificant but intriguing blooms, with monoecious flowers including long, yellow-brown male catkins and purplish female catkins. Post-bloom, it bears ellipsoidal fruiting cones, turning your garden into a breathtaking spectacle. Embrace Alnus japonica for a remarkable shade tree that commands attention while remaining resilient against pests and short-term flooding.