Spaeth Alder Tree

On Founder's Day, April 29, 2025, the University planted a Spaeth Alder tree South West of Goessmann. The Alder is a tribute in memory of Ecaterina (Katya) Rojco, June 27, 2002 - February 11, 2024 dedicated by her parents and brother, late grandmother and friends. Katya is remembered as an exceptional athlete, an incredible artist, and a stellar student at UMass Amherst, class of 2024, who loved and was loved deeply. Ecaterina Rojco Obituary

The Spaeth Alder "was named after the person that discovered the tree back in 1894 – Franz Ludwig Späth – a botanist from Berlin with his own nursery. The german name Späth is pronounced 'spate', like the English word 'date'." Tree Description. The Grove.

The Spaeth Alder grows to 12 and 17 meters (approximately 39 to 56 feet). Elevate your garden with Spaeth's Alder, a stunning tree that nurtures beauty and local wildlife!

Planting The Alder: A Poem by Seamus Heaney. Ireland. 1939-2013
Katya

Ecaterina (Katya) Rojco

Background:Alnus × spaethii catkins at Bluebell Arboretum. Image Robert Vernon. Credits: Baxter, T. & McAllister, H.A. (2024), 'Alnus × spaethii' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/alnus/alnus-x-spaethii/). Accessed 2025-04-07.

alder tree planting

Spreading of Katya's ashes.

alder tree planting

Family and friends shovelled dirt during the tree-planting ceremony.

alder tree planting

The Alder tree is a living tribute honoring the life of Ecaterina (Katya) Rojco .

alder tree

Alnus × spaethii forms a beautiful straight tree (Yorkshire Arboretum, January 2022). Image John Grimshaw.

alder tree

Alnus × spaethii 21 m tall in the Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park, UK; July 2021. Image Owen Johnson.

alder tree

Alnus × spaethii has recently come into favour as a fast-growing but graceful street tree. Croydon, Greater London; August 2013. Image Owen Johnson.