Texture Browser

Botanical Name

Alnus rubra Bong., Alnus oregona Nutt. (Fam. Betulaceae)

Trade Names

Roterle, Oregon-Erle, Red alder, Western alder, Oregon alder, Aulne de l´Oregon

Substitution

For interiors it will be used predominant stained as solid wood or veneer, frequently substituted for Cherry and African Mahogany; also for Abura, Agba, Pear (Pyrus communis), Lenga, Limba, Walnut, Rauli, American Red Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) und American Whitewood (Liriodendron tulpifera).

Indigenous to

In the western part of the USA, in the coastal mountain ranges of Canada and the Islands of British-Columbia

Characteristics

The sapwood and the heartwood are hardly distinguishable. The sapwood is very broad and lighter than the heartwood, which ranges between light brown and red when fresh, but darkens quickly to a dark red-brown because of its high tannin content. Annual rings and growth layers are distinguishable. The structure is straight grained, the texture is thick, medium-rough and constant. The wood rays are very thin and low.