Alnus glutinosa, commonly known as black alder, thrives in wet locations where its association with the bacterium Frankia alni enables it to grow in poor quality soils. It is a medium-sized, short-lived tree growing to a height of up to 30 meters. It is a pioneer species, colonizing vacant land and forming mixed forests as other trees appear in its wake. Eventually common alder dies out of woodlands because the seedlings need more light than is available on the forest floor. Its more usual habitat is forest edges, swamps, and riverside corridors. The timber is used in underwater foundations and for manufacture of paper.