Red Alder Bark

Red Alder dye comes from the Alnus rubra tree which can be identified by its ridged broad green tree leaves and green, brown and red hues of catkins (cone shaped) on the tree.  The red alder tree has white bark which when exposed to the air and oxygen, turns a orange red color which is used for dying.  The alder tree provides food for birds (catkins), dye (bark), and medicine for cuts (bark).