Color/Appearance: Aliso del cerro tends to be light tan to reddish brown; color darkens and reddens with age. There is no visible distinction between heartwood and sapwood. Large aggregate rays appear as occasional small streaks on the face grain that can be mistaken for defects in the wood. Grain/Texture: Grain is generally straight, with a moderately fine, uniform texture. Rot Resistance: Aliso del cerro is rated non-durable to perishable regarding decay resistance. Workability: Aliso del cerro is very easy to work with both hand and machine tools; it sands especially easy. The wood is rather soft, however, and care must be taken to avoid denting it in some applications. Turns, glues, and finishes well. Odor: No characteristic odor. Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, species in the Alnus genushas been reported to cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicityand Wood Dust Safetyfor more information. Pricing/Availability: No data available. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and is reported by the IUCN as being a species of least concern. Common Uses: General construction, furniture, cabinetry, millwork, pallets, shoe heels, and carving. Comments: Aliso del cerro, which is Spanish for hill alder, is also known by the English name Mexican alder. The species is sometimes planted as an ornamental tree. |