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Red alder (Alnus rubra, Betulaceae) is an important forest tree of western North America. It is the world's largest species of alder, reaching heights of 30-40m. In moist areas it will rapidly cover a former burn or clearcut, temporarily preventing the growth of conifers. This vigorous growth has earned it the designation of a "trash tree" by the timber industry. The wood rots easily, and while it does get used for furniture, pallets, firewood, etc. is not considered of high value for timber. Herbicide spraying of red alder over large areas of coastal Oregon and Washington has resulted in a number of lawsuits claiming it caused health problems, including birth defects and other side effects.
Red alder is very valuable, however, for playing host to the nitrogen fixing actinomycete Frankia. Its rapid growth makes it useful in covering disturbed land, such as mine spoils. And it is being considered as a rotation crop to discourage the root pathogen, Phellinus weirii (Laminated root rot).
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