West North America. Broadly conical deciduous. Vigorous growth on hillsides as well as stream sides. Produces good hardwood timber for furniture and panelling. Planted for shelter. Red winter buds identify this alder.

Broadly conical, deciduous. Bark white, with horizontal marks retained to ground level into old age. Chalky white powder rubs off the bark. Bright yellow autumn colour. Vigorous and rust free.

Britain, Europe, Caucasus & Alborz Mts. (Iran). Broadly columnar, deciduous tree with stout greenish-grey shoots with jet black buds. Leaves with 7-13 coarsely serrate leaflets, late into leaf & early to fall. Flowers before the leaves, developing into bunches of 'keys'. Vigorous grower, best on deep moist to wet soils but tolerates much drier soils, enjoys limestone. Valuable light coloured hardwood timber for tool handles, sports goods, and joinery. Steams and bends well. Coppices readily, producing straight poles and rods. Great firewood, burns cut green.

E.USA. Broadly columnar, deciduous. Thornless variety producing long brown pods which are edible by stock. Yellow leaves in autumn. Light shade with fairly open crown. Wood is hard & coarse grained. The red-brown heartwood is very durable.