Аlnus maritima is the only autumn-blooming member of the genus Alnus native to North America. All other North American alders bloom in the spring. The autumn-blooming phenology is a characteristic that Alnus maritima shares with two old-world Alnus species, Alnus nitida and Alnus nepalensis, which are endemic to southeast Asia. This profound similarity in their timing of anthesis has led to their classification as the only three members in the subgenus Clethropsis A tree up to 10 m high or a shrub. Shoots are pubescent at first, then dull orange or reddish brown.
Buds on legs, pointed, pubescent. Leaves are elliptical or obovate, 6-10 cm long, 3-6.5 cm wide, pointed or shortly pointed, rarely obtuse, wedge-shaped at the base, rarely toothed, shiny above, dark green; underneath light green and glabrous or nearly glabrous.
Two to four pistillate catkins, about 2 cm long, on short legs.
Alder wood is characterized by softness, homogeneous fine structure, but it is fragile and inelastic. This material is susceptible to rotting when used in outdoor applications and when in contact with the ground, while it is quite stable when used underwater. Alder wood dries quickly, is not prone to warping and cracking.Alder is a quality material for the production of interior furniture and interior decoration. Due to the property it is good to take stain, alder is used to imitate valuable wood species, for example, cherry, walnut, ebony.Alder does not have great strength, but it has a uniform structure, light and soft wood, which makes it easier to work with. Based on these characteristics, alder has found its application in various industries. Due to its beneficial properties, it is used for medical purposes.
When drying alder wood, no cracks form on the surface. Due to this quality, it is used in the production of musical instruments.Alder board is a popular material for both construction and furniture making. Manufacturers of furniture, plywood, paper highly appreciate the light alder board, the price of which is quite low. Alder MDF is perfect for the production of kitchen furniture, bedroom sets and other types of furniture.
