Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

The sticky alder, called Alnus glutinosa in Latin and also commonly known as willow, is a tree well known for its sticky buds and leaves. It is a deciduous tree with a broad crown, reaching a height of 20 to 30 metres. It generally thrives in temperate and cooler climates and is typical of central and northern Europe. The sticky alder is also valuable for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and thus enrich the soil.

Sticky alder wood is highly sought after and has many uses. Its most important use is in the furniture industry, where it is used to make high quality furniture. The wood is relatively soft and easy to work, which is an important characteristic for furniture makers. It is also very well used in the construction industry, where it is used to make various structural elements, especially for water structures, as alder wood is resistant to moisture. In the past, sticky alder was used to make wooden shoes. Its wood is also used to make pipes or musical instruments, especially guitars. Sticky alder therefore has a wide range of uses and is highly valued.