Red alder is a deciduous tree that can reach 25 m (82 ft) in height. It has thin, smooth, grey bark that often appears to be splotchy due to the presence of lichen colonies. The wood and inner bark turn red when cut. The fruits are born in small, woody cone-like structures that superficially resemble pine cones. Red alder grows in moist and recently cleared areas at low elevations. It is widely distributed along the coast.