European Alder

European Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

Common Name(s): European Alder, Black Alder, Common Alder

Scientific Name: Alnus glutinosa

Distribution: Western Europe

Tree Size: 65-80 ft (20-25 m) tall, 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 31 lbs/ft³ (495 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .38

Hardness: 650 lb_f (2,890 N)

Rupture Strength: 11,000 lb_f/in² (75,860 kPa)

Elastic Strength: 1,303,000 lb_f/in² (8,990 MPa)

Crushing Strength: 6,130 lb_f/in² (42.2 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 5.0%, Tangential: 9.0%, Volumetric: 14.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.8

Color/Appearance: European Alder tends to be a light tan to reddish brown; color darkens and reddens with age. There is no visible distinction between heartwood and sapwood. The overall grain pattern and appearance is similar to Birch (Betula genus)—though redder than Birch—and both genera are derived from the same family, Betulaceae.

Grain/Pore: European Alder has closed pores, and a fine, even grain. The grain is usually straight, but can also be wild or irregular depending on the growth form of each individual tree.

Durability: European Alder is rated non-durable to perishable regarding decay resistance, and freshly cut logs should be quickly converted into lumber and dried to prevent staining or decay in the wood.

Workability: European Alder is very easy to work with both hand and machine tools; it sands especially easy. The wood is rather soft, however, and care must be taken to avoid denting it in some applications. European Alder has excellent gluing, staining, and finishing properties; it also turns well and behaves similar to Black Cherry.

Scent: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.

Safety: 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.

Price/Availability: European Alder is not commonly available as lumber. Board widths are likely to be narrow as a result of the small diameter of the tree itself. When available, the price should most likely be moderate.

Comments: Although the tree has a wide distribution throughout Europe, and is commonly found near wet areas such as ponds and marshes, Alder has not been used very commonly for lumber or woodworking purposes.

One historical use where the timber has been employed comes from an unlikely source: for despite its poor durability above ground, (where it quickly rots and decays), Alder is quite durable underwater, and has been used for piles and supports: most notably throughout the city of Venice, Italy.

Some other common uses for European Alder include: veneer, plywood, charcoal for gunpowder, clogs, and turned items.