Photo Above: Young Red Alder Tree Being Burned for Brush Control
Red alder is the most common hardwood in the Pacific Northwest – its range extends from latitude 34 degrees north to 60 degrees north.[1] Alder timber is contemporarily used for face veneer, furniture, cabinets, paneling, edge-glued panels, core-stock and cross-bands in plywood, millwork, doors, pallets, woodenware and novelties, chips for waferboard, pulpwood, and firewood.[2]
Unknown to many, red alder was used extensively by many First Nations of America for many uses beyond its wood.
Inner bark of the alder was often ground and used in soups as a thickener while the outer barks were used as dyes and also as a treatment for headaches. Infusions made from the bark of red alders were taken to treat anemia, colds, congestion, and to relieve pain. Bark infusions were taken as a laxative and to regulate menstruation. The sap was applied to cuts and a poultice of the bark has been applied to eczema, sores, and aches. The twigs were made into infusions that served as liniments for sprains and backaches.[3]
Maybe in the future, the ingredients of canned soup will include alder bark.
[1] https://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/alnus/rubra.htm
[2] http://owic.oregonstate.edu/red-alder-alnus-rubra
[3] https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_alru2.pdf