Evil lurked in the Alder, according to ancient belief. The tree was feared because its wood, when cut, takes on a blood-orange tinge- as if it is bleeding.
This gave rise to a superstition that the tree was the embodiment of a malign spirit, such as Erlkonig of old German legend. Erlkonig meant “alder king”, though the title is usually translated as elf king.
Traditionally in Ireland it is unlucky to pass an alder on a journey, possibly because this would mean going through swampy land, where all sorts of misfortune might happen to the traveller.
In Austria, Alders a favourite gathering place for sorcerers.
Witches were said to use whistles of alder to conjure up the force of the North wind.
If a twig of alder is carried it is said to give spiritual protection during disputes. |
Alder can be planted to enrich poor ground (eg restored open-cast land), or to prevent erosion of river banks. Like other members of the pea family, the alder’s roots contain bacteria which can use nitrogen from the air and “fix it” -making up for the usual lack of nitrogen in wet soil.
Pollen grains found in peat deposits show the alder has been established in Britain for thousands of years.
Alder wood is yellow when seasoned and durable in winter.
Being easy to work it was favoured for clog making and still is used for shoe sole and broom handles.
The bark, fruit and leaves yield an inferior black dye. |
