European vs US grown Alder

[tsl602000]

I was wondering if European Alder is suitable just as well for bodies as US grown Alder..

Anyone?

[daveq]

Any idea if they have the same species name (the latin designation)? If they are, I'd bet you're good to go. Sorry I can't give you a definite answer.

Here's what I found for Alder species:

Red Alder - Alnus Rubra - this is the one commonly used.

Sitka Alder - Alnus sinuata (coastal B.C.),

Mountain Alder - Alnus tenuifolia (all B.C. except northeast),

Green Alder - Alnus viridis (all B.C. except coast)

Here's a good site for US hardwood descriptions (not the rampart link):

US Hardwoods

I haven't found a similar link for European hardwoods yet.

[daveq]

Here's something I found about European Alder but I don't know if it's the same species you are considering:

Alnus glutinosa (not the same as Red Alder)

(European Alder)

European Alder

It is very possible that Red Alder grows in Europe. I read somewhere that Black Alder was brought over to North America but I couldn't find anything about Red Alder.

[tsl602000]

hey, thanks guys.

I bought some today. It looks, feels and smells like Alder, so I'll give it a try...