Information About Alder

Additional Information About Alder Trees Tree types grow 40 to 80 feet (12-24 m.) ... The leaves on a red alder are tightly rolled under along the edges, while those on a white alder are more flat. Sitka and thinleaf alders reach heights of no more than 25 feet (7.5 m.). They can be grown as large shrubs or small trees.

What is alder used for?
Where does alder grow?
How long do alder trees live?
Where is alder wood from?
What does Alder mean?
Is Alder toxic?
Is Alder fast growing?
What does Alder look like?
Are alder leaves edible?
How does alder spread?
Will Alder grow from cuttings?
Does Alder burn well?

What is alder used for?

What is Alder Wood Used For? Most of the higher grade lumber is used for furniture, cabinetry, and turned products. Alder is also used in doors, millwork, decorative woodwork, carvings, and edge-glued panels. Alder dries to an even honey tone and can be finished to resemble more expensive fine-grained species.

Where does alder grow?

As early as January, when many trees are still dormant, you might find yourself sneezing through a cloud of white alder pollen. Alders are members of the birch family (Betulaceae), and several species of alder grow natively in North America, typically near streams.

How long do alder trees live?

Mature red alder trees are typically 70 to 120 ft in height (130 ft maximum) and 10 to 34 in. in diameter (70 in. maximum). Red alder are mature at 60 to 70 years; they seldom survive beyond 100 years.

Where is alder wood from?

Abundant and sustainable, alder is grown across the Pacific Northwest—with a range that spans from Southeast British Columbia all the way down to Northern California. This all-around adaptable hardwood has many advantages which have led to its spread in popularity among furniture and cabinetry makers worldwide.

What does Alder mean?

(Entry 1 of 2) : any of a genus (Alnus) of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs of the birch family that have catkins which become woody, that typically grow in cool moist ground, and that have wood used especially in turnery also : its wood. Alder.

Is Alder toxic?

Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, alder in the Alnus genus has been reported to cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Is Alder fast growing?

Alders can grow fast as long as they are happy in the location they have been placed in and receive enough water to sustain them, though they will never grow to excessive size so will be fine in some even moderately sized gardens. Why grow alder in your garden? Alder is a spectacularly useful tree.

What does Alder look like?

tall, and include the red and white alders. ... The leaves on a red alder are tightly rolled under along the edges, while those on a white alder are more flat. Sitka and thinleaf alders reach heights of no more than 25 feet (7.5 m.). They can be grown as large shrubs or small trees.

Are alder leaves edible?

Eating Alder: Alder catkins are high in protein and are used as a survival food. ... The bark is most commonly used, but the leaf buds, mature leaves, male catkins, and female green catkins are also medicinal.

How does alder spread?

The alder is readily propagated by seeds, but throws up root suckers abundantly. Alder trees also have a heavy leaf canopy and when the leaves fall in the autumn they help to build up the humus content of the soil.

Will Alder grow from cuttings?

Most trees can be propagated from cuttings.. Probably best to use rooting powder on cuttings from birch and alder and the success rate will be less than with willow.

Does Alder burn well?

Alder firewood is considered to be a hardwood type of firewood; however, it is softer than Ash, Oak and Hornbeam wood. Softer types of firewood tend to burn quicker, but they offer a wonderful burning experience; quick and easy to light, high heat output and a bright and lively flame to look at.