Knotty Alder tends to be a light tan to reddish brown; color darkens and reddens with age. There is no visible distinction between heartwood and sapwood. The overall grain pattern and appearance is similar to Birch —though redder than Birch.

Grain is generally straight, with a moderately fine, uniform texture.

Knotty Alder is the most abundant hardwood in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, and is a commercially important lumber.