what tree does alder wood come from

Full Answer

Is alder wood considered a hardwood?

Although classified as a hardwood, alder is one of the softest of all hardwoods and is more commonly referred to as a semi-hardwood. On a hardness scale, alder ranks just above pine and poplar. Alder has a light brown color with subtle grain patterns that are straighter than other hardwoods, such as oak or ash.

Is alder good for furniture?

Alder isn’t very good in the realm of rot resistance. If you use it for furniture, use it indoors only. Under moist warm conditions (underneath a bathroom cabinet) it will turn to pulp. The fully sealed/oiled cabinet door will be ok, but the interior face frame will rot.

What types of wood are water-resistant?

Top Waterproof Timber Species Afrormosia. Afrormosia is an Africa-native hardwood that is commonly used as an alternative to teak, mainly because of its outstanding durability and resistant capabilities. Teak. Teak Wood is one of the most popular and widely used hardwood species. ... Cedar. Cedar also has decent wood resistance. ... Mahogany. ... Oak. ... Redwood. ...

Is alder a hardwood?

Yes, Alder wood is a hardwood. But it is not hard as other hardwoods like Pine and Poplar. Alder is one of the softest hardwoods with a Janka hardness rating of 590 lbf (2,624 N) which is relatively lower than most woods. Alder is a soft hardwood. But that’s just a quick snapshot.

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.

Is alder a birch tree?

alder, (genus Alnus), genus of about 30 species of ornamental shrubs and trees in the birch family (Betulaceae). Alders are distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and in parts of western South America on cool wet sites at elevations up to 2,500 metres (8,200 feet).

How do I identify an alder tree?

The easiest way of recognizing an alder tree is by its distinctive little fruiting body, called a strobile. They appear in fall and look like 1 inch (2.5 cm.) long cones. Strobiles remain on the tree until the following spring, and the small, nutlike seeds they contain supply winter food for birds and small mammals.

What is special about alder wood?

Alder has an excellent reputation for machining and is also a desirable wood for turning. Alder can be nailed without splitting or screwed without pre-drilling. It glues well and can be sanded to a smooth finish. Alder is evenly textured, with a subdued grain pattern, and has a moderate weight and hardness.

What is another name for alder?

Alder synonyms In this page you can discover 4 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for alder, like: willow, alder tree, hawthorn and birch.

Is alder a hardwood or softwood?

hardwoodHow Hard Is Alder Wood? Alderwood is one of the softest woods in the hardwood family, just above pine and poplar. It has a bending strength (in PSI) of 9,800, making it pliable but relatively soft. These properties make it an excellent option for cabinetry, bedding, and other decorative furniture inside the home.

Are birch and alder the same?

Alders and birches are both in the birch family (Betulaceae). You might say they're cousins -- different genera, with alders in the genus Alnus and birches in Betula. They're enough alike to be confusing, especially when they don't have leaves.

Where do alder trees grow?

Habitat. Alder grows along rivers and on wetlands. In fact, it thrives anywhere where the ground is damp. The roots of the alder often help to stabilise the riverbank and prevent the soil from being washed away.

What is the difference between alder and birch?

Alder has yellow-green, racquet-shaped leaves with indented tips and finely serrated edges. They are alternately arranged on the branches. Birch has oval or elliptical leaves with pointed tips and toothed margins. They are greenish-yellow on the upper side, and light-green on the bottom side.

Is alder a cheap wood?

One of the biggest benefits of alder wood is the cost. It's not quite as cheap as it used to be when it was referred to as "poor man's cherry," but there's still a considerable price difference between it and more expensive hardwoods, such as mahogany. Alder is about in the middle of the road of hardwood prices.

Which is harder alder or oak?

Oak is harder than Alder. Both Alder and oak are hardwoods. But both red oak and white oak are harder, denser, and stronger than Alder wood.

Is alder stronger than pine?

On a hardness scale, alder ranks just above pine and poplar. Alder has a light brown color with subtle grain patterns that are straighter than other hardwoods, such as oak or ash.

Is alder and birch the same?

Alder has yellow-green, racquet-shaped leaves with indented tips and finely serrated edges. They are alternately arranged on the branches. Birch has oval or elliptical leaves with pointed tips and toothed margins. They are greenish-yellow on the upper side, and light-green on the bottom side.

What's the difference between alder & birch?

The leaves of birches and alders are very similar, frequently leading to confusion between the species. Both are serrated and oval-shaped, about 2 to 3 inches wide by 3 to 4 inches long. Birch leaves have a pointed tip, and some varieties are spade-shaped, while alders are generally more rounded in appearance.

Do alder trees cause allergies?

Some of the worst trees for allergies are found across the country in different places and have pollen that commonly causes a reaction. These can include: Alder – Red and white alder trees are found across North America.

What is alder like to burn?

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.

Where do black alders come from?

Black alder trees are native to Europe, where they are known as the common alder, European alder, or European black alder. Its botanical name— Alnus glutinosa —refers to the tree’s sticky, resinous substance that forms on purplish-brown buds and young leaves.

How to identify an alder tree?

Alder trees are easily identified by their brown hard, cone-like strobiles that dangle from bare brown-purple twigs that have orange markings. You can also spot alder trees by their light gray bark and orange-brown drooping flowers. Another identifying feature of the alder trees is their pointed egg-shaped green leaves with serrated edges.

What is the difference between birch and alder?

Alder trees are related to birch trees ( Betula ). The difference between alders and birches is their cones. Alder female flowers become woody conical cones that turn brown during the fall.

What is the difference between a male and female alder tree?

Alder Tree Flowers. Alder male flowers (catkins) are long and slender whereas the female flowers turn to woody round cones (strobiles) An alder tree flower is a type of slender, conical flower cluster called a catkin. Alders are also monoecious trees—meaning they have male and female flowers on the same tree.

How tall is a red alder tree?

Its spreading branches create a conical shape with a slender, rounded crown. Red alder trees grow between 66 and 100 ft. (20 – 30 m) tall. The red alder tree is the largest in the genus Alnus.

What are the leaves on an alder tree?

Generally, alder tree leaves are egg-shaped blades with a central vein and parallel veins from the midriff to the serrated leaf edge. Some alder tree leaves have toothed edges and pointed tips, whereas others are rounded and smooth.

How long do alder trees live?

Generally, alders are fast-growing trees that live between 60 and 70 years. However, some alder trees live for up to 100 years.

Where does the name Alder come from?

The common name alder evolved from the Old English word alor, which in turn is derived from Proto-Germanic root aliso. The generic name Alnus is the equivalent Latin name, from whence French aulne and Spanish Alamo (Spanish term for " poplar ").

Where do white alders grow?

In the Pacific Northwest of North America, the white alder ( Alnus rhombifolia) unlike other northwest alders, has an affinity for warm, dry climates, where it grows along watercourses, such as along the lower Columbia River east of the Cascades and the Snake River, including Hells Canyon.

Why are alder leaves important?

glutinosa and A. viridis are classed as environmental weeds in New Zealand. Alder leaves and especially the roots are important to the ecosystem because they enrich the soil with nitrogen and other nutrients.

Why are red alders beneficial?

As a result of this mutually beneficial relationship, alder improves the fertility of the soil where it grows, and as a pioneer species, it helps provide additional nitrogen for the successional species to follow. A red alder seed is a tiny samara like those of all alders.

How tall is a red alder?

glutinosa ), native to most of Europe and widely introduced elsewhere, both reaching over 30 m (98.42 ft). By contrast, the widespread Alnus alnobetula (green alder) is rarely more than a 5-metre-tall (16-foot) shrub.

How much nitrogen does red alder produce?

Red alder stands have been found to supply between 130 to 320 kilograms per hectare (120 to 290 pounds per acre) of nitrogen annually to the soil.

What is the relationship between alder and Frankia alni?

Alder is particularly noted for its important symbiotic relationship with Frankia alni, an actinomycete, filamentous, nitrogen-fixing bacterium. This bacterium is found in root nodules, which may be as large as a human fist, with many small lobes, and light brown in colour. The bacterium absorbs nitrogen from the air and makes it available to the tree. Alder, in turn, provides the bacterium with sugars, which it produces through photosynthesis. As a result of this mutually beneficial relationship, alder improves the fertility of the soil where it grows, and as a pioneer species, it helps provide additional nitrogen for the successional species which follow.

Where does alder wood come from?

Due to the moisture in the soil, it expands its roots well. Some alder trees can grow in dry areas as well. Alder is native to Britain, Europe, western Asia, and North Africa

What is Alder Wood?

Alder(Alnus) is a common name of a certain (about 35 species) of flowering plants or trees. Almost similar properties and habits are found in all these species. It is native to many areas of the northern hemisphere.

How tall do alder trees grow?

Mainly the Alder tree grows in banks of watercourses and moist areas. Mature trees can reach a height of around 28m and generally grow no older than 60 to 65 years.

What wood is good for smoking?

Alder Wood for Smoking. Alder has a subtle flavor and natural sweetness. It is well known for smoking salmon. But is also used for other meat such as pork, poultry, game birds, and light meat. Alder is not considered good for lamb, beef, veggies, and cheese.

What color is the bark of an alder tree?

Its fruit is initially green and later turns dark brown in color. It turns black after drying. The bark of the Alder tree is smooth and reddish-brown at the beginning. It becomes darker and cracks with age. The branches of Alder are red-brown, and the buds are reddish-brown, narrow, and pointed.

What is the bark used for smoking?

meat smoking | Image by Hai Nguyen Tien from Pixabay. Some wood species of alder are used for smoking meat such as pork, salmon, and other meats. Alder’s bark contains anti-inflammatory salicin. Native American cultures use red alder bark (Alnus rubra) as medicine for insect bites and skin irritations.

Why is alder used in furniture?

Because it curves easily and gives great dark looks. If we talk about domestic use of alder, it is used in making furniture, cabinets, and other woodworking products. Alder’s bark contains tannin and is traditionally used to tan leather. The wood of some alder species performs well in moisture.

What is the most abundant hardwood in the Pacific Northwest?

Alder. Principally the Pacific Northwest, where it is the most abundant commercial hardwood. Alder, a relative of birch, is almost white when freshly cut, but quickly changes with exposure to air, becoming light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge.

Is alder wood straight grain?

The wood is fairly straight-grained with a uniform texture. WORKING PROPERTIES. Alder machines well and is excellent for turning. It nails, screws and glues well, and can be sanded, painted, or stained to a good finish. When stained, it blends with walnut or cherry.

Is alder a good hardwood?

It dries easily with little degrade and has good dimensional stability after drying. Alder is a relatively soft hardwood of medium density that has low bending strength, shock resistance, and stiffness. Available in dimension stock and lumber.

What is an alder tree?

Alder trees ( Alnus spp.) are often used in re-forestation projects and to stabilize soil in wet areas, but you seldom see them in residential landscapes. Nurseries that cater to home gardeners rarely offer them for sale, but when you can find them, these handsome plants make excellent shade trees and screening shrubs.

How to identify an alder tree?

Alder Tree Identification. The easiest way of recognizing an alder tree is by its distinctive little fruiting body, called a strobile. They appear in fall and look like 1 inch (2.5 cm.) long cones. Strobiles remain on the tree until the following spring, and the small, nutlike seeds they contain supply winter food for birds and small mammals.

How to tell the difference between a red and white alder?

You can distinguish these two trees by their leaves. 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.

How tall do alder trees grow?

Tree types grow 40 to 80 feet (12-24 m.) tall, and include the red and white alders. You can distinguish these two trees by their leaves.

What is the shape of an egg shaped leaf?

The egg-shaped leaves have serrated edges and distinct veins. A central vein runs down the center of the leaf and a series of side veins run from the central vein to the outer edge, angled toward the leaf tip. The foliage remains green until it drops from the tree in fall.

Do alder trees have female flowers?

The female flowers on an alder tree stand upright at the ends of the twigs, while the male catkins are longer and hang down. The catkins persist into winter. Once the leaves are gone, they add subtle grace and beauty to the tree, softening the appearance of the bare branches. Leaves provide another method of alder tree identification.

What is the flavor of alder wood?

The flavor of alder wood chips is mild and sweet compared to other smoking woods like mesquite and hickory. It is even milder than pecan and has a more neutral taste. Alder wood is ideal for situations where a heavy smoke flavor would overpower foods with a subtle flavor. The wood itself has a look and smell that is similar to that of cedar.

What woods shine with alder?

Alder wood shines when combined with other woods like hickory, pecan, and apple.

How do you select alder wood chips?

Look for wood chips that have been thoroughly cured and that have no bark. These factors combined with a consistent grind can ensure that your chips burn evenly without providing any unwanted flavors.

How do you use alder wood smoking chips?

You can soak alder wood chips in water, beer, or cider vinegar if you want but most experts do not believe that this provides any benefit. While many who do this claim that soaking slows the rate of burning, it merely delays it. The wood will dry out and then burn at the same rate that it would have if you had used dry chips instead.

What wood is used for smoking salmon?

It is often combined with cedar , another popular wood for smoking salmon. Alder wood chips are versatile enough to be used on any food that requires only a hint of smoke flavor. It will stay in the background without overtaking all the other nuances.

How tall can a red alder tree grow?

The red alder variety is the most popular type for smoking and red alder trees grow mainly in the Pacific Northwest and can reach up to 75 feet in height. As an indigenous tree, it is a favorite wood among barbecue fans from the Pacific Northwest.

Is alder wood good for smoking?

Alder wood is not one of the woods you typically hear mentioned in arguments about smoking woods. Usually, the debate is reserved for hickory, mesquite, and sometimes apple wood. Best known for its use as a furniture wood, alder wood is classified as a hardwood. As a hardwood, it has the ideal characteristics for smoking foods. Like all hardwoods, it provides long lasting smoke without much soot. Soft woods contain resin, which means that they create a denser smoke along with soot that will coat foods and that may cause illness. The smoke from hardwoods like alder is pale and bluish.

What is knotty alder?

Knotty Alder wood has a very long and distinguished history. From the foundation of Venice to brand new front doors, alder has always been a prized choice by those working with wood.

Is alder good for stains?

Alder also does very well when introduced to stains and finishes. Light yet durable, it is a fantastic wood to work with and can be readily enjoyed once installed in the home. If you haven’t considered alder wood for your next project, it is certainly a wood worth looking into.

What family is an alder tree?

The 30 members of the genus are classified in the Betulaceae family, which is more commonly known as the birch family. The thin bark and light wood of the Alder tree make it obvious that this tree belongs with other Betulaceae species. The most notable features of all varieties of alder trees is its catkins and strobiles.

How did the black alder get its name?

Its Latin name, Alnus glutinosa, tips you off that this tree develops a gummy resin on new leaves and buds. Take note that this alder species can become invasive in some areas. 1 If you prefer the look of leaves that are dissected (divided into many sections), look for the 'Laciniata' and 'Imperialis' cultivars.

What is the color of the bark on an alder tree?

Also known as a speckled alder or mountain alder, this species is commonly seen in the Rocky Mountains of North America. These trees have smooth, gray bark and the underside of the leaves also has a gray appearance. While most other alder trees produce yellow catkins, this tree has reddish-purple catkins that appear each spring.

How tall is a white alder tree?

The white alder grows at a fast pace to about 30 feet in height, before slowly creeping towards its full maturation of 50 feet. Some of the tallest specimens of this species have been known to reach 100 feet. The tree gets its common name from its bark color, which ranges from white to gray. It's a good choice if you have a soggy spot in your yard or garden and it has deep green leaves with a fresh fragrance.

What is the name of the tree with gummy leaves?

Its Latin name, Alnus glutinosa, tips you off that this tree develops a gummy resin on new leaves and buds. Take note that this alder species can become invasive in some areas. 1 If you prefer the look of leaves that are dissected (divided into many sections), look for the 'Laciniata' and 'Imperialis' cultivars.

Why do alder trees fall green?

Green leaves fall from the tree as it prepares for dormancy. Since these trees are able to fix nitrogen in the soil, they can grow in less than fertile areas.

What is a serrulata tree?

This species is either a shrub or a small tree. It tends to clone itself through suckers, forming a dense thicket of alders if left unchecked. The species name serrulata refers to the margins of the leaves, which are toothed. Also known as a tag alder or swamp alder, these trees need consistently moist soil conditions and are most often found near a water source, like a river or stream. They are most prevalent in the eastern part of North America.

Overview

Description

Taxonomy

Ecology

Uses

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