red alder

noun

1. a tree, Alnus oregona (or A. rubra ), of western North America, having smooth, mottled light gray bark and oval serrate leaves.
2. the hard, red wood of this tree, used for making furniture.

Other Words From

• red-alder adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of red alder¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The sexton, seeing their zeal, brought out to them a little cross, fancifully made of red alder-berries and pine.

From Project Gutenberg

Red alder (Alnus oregona) (fig. 24) occurs from Alaska to southern California.

From Project Gutenberg

Red alder is the largest of the alder group in this country.

From Project Gutenberg

Red alder is given that name because the newly cut wood is liable to change quickly to a reddish-brown.

From Project Gutenberg

Red alder when thoroughly air dry weighs about thirty pounds per cubic foot, which is slightly above the weight of basswood.

From Project Gutenberg