Alnus glutinosa 'Razzmatazz', Variegated Alder

A rare form of the European Black Alder, 'Razzmatazz' has jagged leaves with irregular, bright yellow-green margins in spring—the showy cousin of the quieter Alder species. Spring brings the most striking variegation on its fresh new leaves. But expect it, like many plants, to lose its brightness and much of the contrast toward midsummer. Soon, though, winter will show off its twiggy branches decorated simultaneously with both cones and catkins for an intriguing texture. The male catkins are long and the mature female catkins are short and cone-like—a doubly ornamented winter tree, lovely enough to be close to your window.

Mature size: up to 40 ft tall & 25 ft wide.

Properties/conditions:

• clay-tolerant
• deciduous
• intermittent water
• regular water
• sun or part shade
• variegated