Likely silver birch; alder is a plausible alternative. The small bark-covered branch does not allow reliable species identification.
Betula pendula (likely); possibly Alnus glutinosa · Hardwood (deciduous)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood (deciduous)
- Origin
- Both occur widely in Europe; silver birch is common in northern and temperate Europe, while alder often grows in wet ground and peatland margins.
- Hardness
- Silver birch: about 1,210 lbf (Hard); alder: about 590 lbf (Soft).
- Durability
- Slightly durable; birch and alder heartwood generally have limited resistance to decay, especially outdoors.
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Grain Pattern
Not visible: the sample is an intact, small branch. No figure or cut orientation can be assessed.
Color & Appearance
Fresh cut surface appears pale orange-tan; bark is gray-white with dark markings. Heartwood and sapwood cannot be distinguished from this branch.
Hardness (Janka)
Silver birch: about 1,210 lbf (Hard); alder: about 590 lbf (Soft).
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly durable; birch and alder heartwood generally have limited resistance to decay, especially outdoors.
Value & Age
Roughly US$3–8 per board foot for ordinary birch lumber; this branch has no meaningful lumber value.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Not estimable from the image; a fresh branch cut shows no useful age or wear indicators.
Common Uses
Birch is used for furniture, plywood, flooring, turning, and pulp; alder for cabinetry, furniture, veneer, and turning.
Geographic Origin
Both occur widely in Europe; silver birch is common in northern and temperate Europe, while alder often grows in wet ground and peatland margins.
Workability
Both species generally machine and glue well; birch can tear out when planed against the grain. A bark-covered twig cannot be assessed for machining properties.
Finish Recommendations
For milled wood, sand evenly and use clear oil, shellac, lacquer, or polyurethane; test stain first, as blotching can occur.
Notable Features
Birch often has pale, fine-textured wood; alder is typically uniform and light-colored. Bark and leaves would aid identification, but leaves are absent.
Notes
In peatlands park fallen tree