RED ALDER OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST 
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CHARACTERISTICS, GROWTH, AND YIELD OF RED ALDER 
Red alder has certain characteristics a study of which will de- 
termine how the species can be reproduced most successfully and 
what treatment is necessary for its best development. 
ASSOCIATED SPECIES 
Throughout the greater part of its geographical range, red alder 
occurs in the forest as a comparatively small-sized tree in mixture 
with a variety of other moisture-loving trees, such as western red 
Fig. 10. — A TYPICAL STAND OF ALDER ABOUT 40 YEARS OLD 
The trees measure 10 to 17 inches in diameter and 80 to 90 feet in height 
cedar, lowland white fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock, Douglas fir, 
Oregon ash, Oregon myrtle (Umbellularia calif ornica)^ various 
species of oak, big-leaf maple, black cottonwood, cascara (Bhamnus 
purshiana), and Pacific dogwood (Oornus nuttallii). In some 
places several of these species are associated, elsewhere but one or 
two of them. In bottom lands, along water courses, and on well- 
watered slopes red alder commonly forms practically pure stands. 
