Redheart 

Fig. 406  Longitudinal cross-section of redheart in alder tree.	Fig. 407  Cross-section of decay in alder caused by redheart.

Distribution:  Coastal regions of B.C. for red alder and throughout the range of birch in B.C.

TREE SPECIES ATTACKED: Red alder and paper birch are susceptible.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Reddish-brown stain in the centre of the tree.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: Redheart refers to a reddish-brown stain found in the centre of red alder and paper birch trees. The staining is in stark contrast to the surrounding white wood and the discolouration is due to a chemical reaction. The development of redheart has been shown to be associated with physical damage (scars, frost cracks, or broken tops) and the presence of fungi in the wood. In red alder, redheart has only been found where trees are environmentally stressed or are growing in off-site conditions. Overmature and slow-growing paper birch have the greatest proportion of redheart.

DAMAGE: Redheart reduces the economic value of the wood. In some areas of the BC mainland coast, more than 50% of the red alder crop trees are affected with redheart. Further research is required to determine the extent of damage and its distribution.

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Contact Tim Ebata if you have comments on the presentation of this information.

BC Ministry of Forests
Forest Practices Branch
P.O. Box 9513 Stn. Prov. Gov.
Victoria, BC
V8W 9C2

Section phone: (250) 387-8739
Section fax: (250) 387-2136

Last updated March 04, 2002