5 year native tree/native pot challenge: Alnus rubra #2

[pnwnovice]

Ok, so I've gotten a little obsessed with Red Alders lately. Collected this guy last fall and he spent the winter in the ground in a sheltered part of my yard. Last week I finally got it potted up in this training pot in 100% perlite that I recycled (because I'm cheap) from another red alder project that resulted in some awesome fine radial roots. Still trying to figure out what direction to take it in before trimming off anymore, and I also want to let it regain a bit more vigor.

Also, realizing I forgot to put anything in for scale. The tree is currently about 8" tall and maybe an inch in diameter at its widest point.

 

[RH-W]

The obsession is real. I have four now. Attempting to root some cuttings too. Good start here.

 

[FlyingGazelle]

One of my favorite things about alders is how vigorous they grow! its so satisfying seeing the results of training the tree in such a short amount of time. If this is your first time wiring an alder i would keep a very close eye on it, i was shocked at how fast the wire started to bite into the trunk and now my favorite alder is all marked up