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RED ALDER (Alnus rubra)
WHITE ALDER (Alnus rhombifolia)
Other names: Alder, Oregon alder, western alder; may
have been confused with mulberry by some
surveyors.

POOR TO FAIR

Red alder occurs from coastal California northward into Southeastern Alaska. White alder, a similar but smaller tree, in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The alders are rapid growing, short lived trees, seldom exceeding 80 years of age. Surveyors from the Eastern States sometimes confused red alder with black mulberry in Alaska, where there are no mulberry. The alders reproduce profusely on logged over lands and when young are usually in dense stands. Natural thinning takes place in about 15 years. Dead trees decay rapidly. 

If blazed and scribed the alder is usually rotted. The decay may be deep and the wound nearly healed on the larger trees. The recovery rate of alder bearing trees is low because of the rapid decay. Some of the original surveyors bark scribed the alders, so this possibility cannot be overlooked. Moss removal is difficult, but can be done by vigorous rubbing, to reveal the bark scribing, which may appear enlarged and as a dashed line. If dead and fallen the wood decays rapidly to a mulch. The shell of the decayed stump may remain, infrequently. 

When using the alders for bearing trees, select young trees, 6" to 8" in diameter and bark scribe them. If large trees MUST be used, smooth with a bark blaze but do not penetrate into the sapwood with the blazing. Release the younger trees if at all possible.