Origin and history
The black alder is an emblematic tree of European wetlands. It grows wild along rivers, ponds, and in marshy soils where few other species can thrive. The term "sticky" refers to the slightly sticky texture of its young leaves. Since antiquity, this tree has been prized for its rot-resistant wood, highly valued in the construction of bridges and pilings, particularly in Venice. In Celtic tradition, the alder symbolized rebirth and protection: it was associated with purification and the regeneration of vital forces.
