Red alder (Alnus rubra), once considered a trash species and useful only for fuel, grows abundantly in the Pacific Coast regions of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. It produces excellent lumber, and now demands fairly high prices.

 

It is a pioneer species, coming into the ecosystem after fire and logging disturbances, thereby protecting the exposed soils and watersheds. Trees mature within 40 to 60 years, reaching a typical height of less than 90 feet and a diameter often under 24 inches.