Black alder (Alnus glutinosa)

Black alder (Alnus glutinosa), native to much of continental Europe, finds varied commercial applications. Its wood is prized in furniture-making, cabinetry, and turnery due to its fine grain and ease of working. The wood pulp is also utilized in paper production, while the tree's nitrogen-fixing ability makes it valuable for land reclamation and soil improvement projects. Additionally, black alder is a source of high-quality charcoal for artistic and industrial uses. The bark, rich in tannins, is employed in the leather tanning industry. Traditional medicine has used various parts of the tree for their anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, the sticky leaves were even used as a natural flea trap in homes.