alder (bark)
The bark of the common alder tree (Alnus
glutinosa), used to some extent in small tanneries
in southeastern Europe and Turkey for tanning
leather. The bark contains 9 to 16% or more
tannin, while the dried fruit yields about 16%
tannin. The use of alder bark is not
extensive—mainly because, when used alone, it
imparts an objectionable reddish-brown color to
the leather, and also tends to make the leather
brittle. Other alder barks have also been used in
tanning, including Alnus incana (in Europe and
North America), A. nepalesis and A. nitida (in
India), and A. cordata (in Italy). (175 )
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