The log is 15-25 m high, 6-12 m long and 0.3- 1.2 m in diameter. 

Freshly sawn European Alder, whose sapwood is the same colour as the heartwood, has a characteristic orange-red colour, especially from the front, and is white on the longitudinal surface. After being exposed to light and air for some time, it eventually turns pale yellow with a reddish to light reddish brown tinge. Red alder is generally a little darker than European alder.

With its alder-like properties, this wood species is used in Western Europe as a substitute for cherry in the furniture industry.