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CHAPTER 2

Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Michael C. Wiemann, Research Botanist

Throughout history, the unique characteristics and abun- dance of have made it a for homes Contents and other structures, , , vehicles, and decora- Timber and Uses 2–2 tive objects. Today, for the same reasons, wood is prized for and 2–2 a multitude of uses. Commercial Sources of Wood Products 2–2 All wood is composed of , , , Use Classes and Trends 2–2 and minor amounts (usually less than 10%) of extraneous Descriptions 2–3 materials contained in a cellular structure. Variations in the characteristics and proportions of these components and U.S. Hardwoods 2–3 differences in cellular structure make woods heavy or light, U.S. Softwoods 2–11 stiff or flexible, and hard or soft. The properties of a single Imported Woods 2–18 species are relatively constant within limits; therefore, selec- tion of wood by species alone may sometimes be adequate. Imported Hardwoods 2–19 However, to use wood to its best advantage and most effec- Imported Softwoods 2–38 tively in engineering applications, specific characteristics or Scientific Name Index 2–41 physical properties must be considered. U.S. Wood Species—Hardwoods 2–41 Historically, some species filled many purposes, whereas other less available or less desirable species served only U.S. Wood Species—Softwoods 2–42 one or two needs. For example, because white is tough, Imported Woods—Hardwoods 2–43 strong, and durable, it was highly prized for , Imported Woods—Softwoods 2–44 bridges, cooperage, barn timbers, farm implements, railroad crossties, posts, and flooring. Woods such as black Literature Cited 2–45 walnut and cherry were used primarily for furniture and Additional References 2–45 cabinets. was manufactured into tough, hard, and resilient striking- handles, and black locust was prized for barn timbers. It was commonly accepted that wood from grown in certain locations under certain conditions was stronger, more durable, more easily worked with tools, or finer grained than wood from trees in other locations. Mod- ern research on wood has substantiated that location and growth conditions do significantly affect wood properties. This chapter presents brief descriptions of many species; current and, in many cases, historic uses are cited to illus- trate the utility of the wood. Gradual reductions in use of old-growth in the United States have reduced the supply of large clear logs for and veneer. However, the importance of high-quality logs has diminished as new concepts of wood use have been introduced. Second-growth wood, the remaining old-growth forests, and imports continue to fill the needs for wood in the quality required. Wood is as valuable an engineering material as ever, and in many cases, technological advances have made it even more useful. Inherent factors that keep wood in the forefront of raw materials are many and varied, but a chief attribute is its

2–1 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 availability in many species, sizes, shapes, and conditions to Botanically, softwoods are or ; their suit almost every demand. Wood has a high ratio of strength are not enclosed in the of the . Ana- to weight and a remarkable record for durability and perfor- tomically, softwoods are nonporous (they do not contain mance as a structural material. Dry wood has good insulat- vessels). Softwoods are usually cone- with ing properties against heat, sound, and electricity. It tends needle- or scale-like . Some softwoods, to absorb and dissipate vibrations under some conditions such as and baldcypress, lose their needles during of use, and yet it is an incomparable material for musical autumn or winter. instruments. The grain patterns and colors of wood make Major resources of species are spread across the it an esthetically pleasing material, and its appearance may United States, except for the Great Plains, where only small be easily enhanced by stains, , , and other areas are forested. The is concentrated in finishes. It is easily shaped with tools and fastened with ad- the eastern United States, with only a few commercial spe- hesives, nails, screws, bolts, and . Damaged wood is cies found in , , and California. Softwood easily repaired, and wood structures are easily remodeled or and hardwood species of the continental United States are altered. In addition, wood resists oxidation, acid, saltwater, often loosely grouped in three general regions, as shown in and other corrosive agents, has high salvage value, has good 2–1. shock resistance, can be treated with preservatives and retardants, and can be combined with almost any other ma- Commercial Sources of Wood Products terial for both functional and aesthetic uses. Softwoods are available directly from , wholesale and retail yards, or lumber brokers. Softwood lumber and Timber Resources and Uses are used in for forms, , In the United States, more than 100 wood species are avail- , sheathing, flooring, moulding, paneling, cabinets, able to the prospective user; about 60% of these are of major poles and piles, and many other building components. commercial importance. Another 30 species are commonly Softwoods may also appear in the form of shingles, sashes, imported in the form of logs, cants, lumber, and veneer for , and other millwork, in addition to some rough prod- industrial uses, the building trade, and . ucts such as timber and round posts. A continuing program of timber inventory is in effect in the Hardwoods are used in construction for flooring, architectur- United States through the cooperation of Federal and State al woodwork, interior woodwork, and paneling. These items agencies, and new information on wood resources is pub- are usually available from lumberyards and building supply lished in State and Federal reports. Two of the most valuable dealers. Most hardwood lumber and dimension are sourcebooks are An Analysis of the Timber Situation in the remanufactured into furniture, flooring, , , United States: 1952 to 2050 (Haynes 2003) and The 2005 dunnage, and blocking. Hardwood lumber and dimension RPA Timber Assessment Update (Haynes and others 2007). stock are available directly from manufacturers, through Current information on wood consumption, production, im- wholesalers and brokers, and from some retail yards. Both ports, and supply and demand is published periodically by softwood and hardwood products are distributed throughout the Products Laboratory (Howard 2007). the United States. Local preferences and the availability of certain species may influence choice, but a wide selection Hardwoods and Softwoods of woods is generally available for building construction, Trees are divided into two broad classes, usually referred to industrial uses, remanufacturing, and home use. as hardwoods and softwoods. These names can be confus- ing because some softwoods are actually harder than some Use Classes and Trends hardwoods, and conversely some hardwoods are softer than Major wood-based industries include those that convert some softwoods. For example, softwoods such as longleaf wood to thin slices (veneer), particles (chips, flakes), or fiber and Douglas- are typically harder than the hard- pulps and reassemble the elements to produce various types woods basswood and . Botanically, hardwoods are of engineered panels such as plywood, particleboard, orient- angiosperms; their seeds are enclosed in the ovary of the ed strandboard, , , , flower. Anatomically, hardwoods are porous; that is, they and products. Another newer is the contain vessel elements. A is a wood production of laminated wood products. The lumber indus- with open ends; when vessel elements are set one above an- try has also produced smaller amounts of railroad crossties, other, they form a continuous tube (vessel), which serves as cooperage, shingles, and shakes. a conduit for transporting or in the . Typically, hardwoods are plants with broad leaves that, with few ex- ceptions in the temperate region, lose their leaves in autumn or winter. Most imported tropical woods are hardwoods.

2–2 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods

Table 2–1. Major resources of U.S. woods according to U.S. Hardwoods region , Northern Red alder () Western and Appalachian Southern grows along the Pacific Hardwoods coast between and Alder, red Ash Ash California. It is the principal Ash, Oregon Aspen Basswood Aspen Basswood hardwood for commercial , paper Beech Butternut manufacture of wood Cottonwood Birch Cottonwood products in Oregon and , bigleaf Buckeye Washington and the most Oak, California black Butternut Hackberry abundant commercial hardwood species in these two Oak, Oregon white Cherry Hickory states. Tanoak Cottonwood Honeylocust Elm Locust, black The wood of red alder varies from almost white to pale Hackberry Magnolia pinkish brown, and there is no visible boundary between Hickory Maple, soft Honeylocust Oak, red and white heartwood and sapwood. Red alder is moderately light in Locust, black weight and intermediate in most strength properties but low Maple, hard Sweetgum in shock resistance. It has relatively low shrinkage. Maple, soft Sycamore Oak, red and white Tupelo The principal use of red alder is for furniture, but it is also Sycamore Walnut used for sash and panel stock and other millwork. Walnut Ash (Black Ash Group) Yellow-poplar Yellow-poplar Softwoods The black ash group includes Douglas-fir Cedar, northern white Baldcypress black ash ( nigra) Fir, western Fir, balsam Cedar, Atlantic white and pumpkin ash (F. profun‑ Hemlock, western Hemlock, eastern Fir, Fraser da). Black ash grows in the and mountain Pine, eastern white Pine, southern Northeast and Midwest, and -cedar Pine, Jack Redcedar, eastern , western Pine, red pumpkin ash in the South. Pine, lodgepole Redcedar, eastern The heartwood of black ash Pine, ponderosa , eastern is a darker brown than that of Pine, Tamarack Pine, western white American white ash; the sapwood is light-colored or nearly Port-Orford-cedar white. The wood of the black ash group is lighter in weight Redcedar, western (basic specific gravity of 0.45 to 0.48) than that of the white Redwood ash group (basic specific gravity greater than 0.50). Spruce, Engelmann Spruce, Sitka Principal uses for the black ash group are decorative veneer, Yellow-cedar cabinets, millwork, furniture, cooperage, and . Ash (White Ash Group) Important species of the Species Descriptions white ash group are Ameri- In this chapter, each species or group of species is described can white ash (Fraxinus in terms of its principal location, characteristics, and uses. americana), green ash More detailed information on the properties of these and (F. pennsylvanica), blue other species is given in various tables throughout this ash (F. quadrangulata), and handbook. Information on historical and traditional uses is Oregon ash (F. latifolia). provided for some species to illustrate their utility. A low- The first three species grow magnification micrograph of a representative cross-section in the eastern half of the United States. Oregon ash grows of each species or species group accompanies each descrip- along the Pacific Coast. tion. The slides for these micrographs are from the Forest The heartwood of the white ash group is brown, and the Products Laboratory collection. The micrographs are printed sapwood is light-colored or nearly white. Second-growth at magnifications of approximately 15×. Their color is a trees are particularly sought after because of the inherent consequence of the stains used to accentuate anatomical fea- qualities of the wood from these trees: it is heavy, strong, tures and is not indicative of the actual wood color. hard, and stiff, and it has high resistance to shock. Oregon ash has somewhat lower strength properties than American

2–3 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 white ash, but it is used for similar purposes on the West of either species. Basswood grows in the eastern half of Coast. from the Canadian provinces southward. Most basswood lumber comes from the Lake, Middle At- American white ash (F. americana) and green ash (F. penn‑ lantic, and Central States. sylvanica) that grow in southern river bottoms, especially in areas frequently flooded for long periods, produce but- The heartwood of basswood is pale yellowish brown with tresses that contain relatively lightweight and brash wood. occasional darker streaks. Basswood has wide, creamy white or pale brown sapwood that merges gradually into American white ash is used principally for nonstriking tool heartwood. When dry, the wood is without odor or taste. handles, oars, baseball bats, and other sporting and athletic It is soft and light in weight, has fine, even texture, and is goods. For handles of the best grade, some handle specifi- straight grained and easy to work with tools. Shrinkage in cations call for not less than 2 nor more than 7 growth rings width and thickness during drying is rated as high; however, per centimeter (not less than 5 nor more than 17 growth basswood seldom warps in use. rings per inch). The additional weight requirement of 690 kg m–3 (43 lb ft–3) or more at 12% moisture content Basswood lumber is used mainly in venetian blinds, sashes ensures high-quality material. Principal uses for the white and door frames, moulding, apiary supplies, wooden ware, ash group are decorative veneer, cabinets, furniture, - and . Some basswood is cut for veneer, cooperage, ex- ing, millwork, and crates. celsior, and , and it is a favorite of wood carvers. Aspen Beech, American Aspen is a generally Only one species of recognized name that is beech, American beech applied to bigtooth (), is ( grandidentata) native to the United States. and quaking (P. tremuloides) It grows in the eastern aspen. Aspen lumber one-third of the United is produced principally in States and adjacent the northeastern and Lake Canadian provinces. States, with some production The greatest production in the Rocky Mountain States. of beech lumber is in the Central and Middle Atlantic States. The heartwood of aspen is grayish white to light gray- ish brown. The sapwood is lighter colored and generally In some beech trees, color varies from nearly white sap- merges gradually into the heartwood without being clearly wood to reddish-brown heartwood. Sometimes there is no marked. Aspen wood is usually straight grained with a clear line of demarcation between heartwood and sapwood. fine, uniform texture. It is easily worked. Well-dried aspen Sapwood may be roughly 7 to 13 cm (3 to 5 in.) wide. The lumber does not impart odor or to foodstuffs. The wood has little figure and is of close, uniform texture. It has wood of aspen is lightweight and soft. It is low in strength, no characteristic taste or odor. The wood of beech is classed moderately stiff, and moderately low in resistance to shock as heavy, hard, strong, high in resistance to shock, and high- and has moderately high shrinkage. ly suitable for . Beech shrinks substantially and therefore requires careful drying. It machines smoothly, Aspen is cut for lumber, pallets, boxes and crating, - is an excellent wood for , wears well, and is rather wood, particleboard, strand panels, excelsior, matches, ve- easily treated with preservatives. neer, and miscellaneous turned articles. Today, aspen is one of the preferred species for use in oriented Most beech is used for flooring, furniture, brush blocks, strandboard, a panel product that dominates the sheathing handles, veneer, woodenware, containers, and cooperage. market. When treated with preservative, beech is suitable for rail- way ties. Basswood American basswood ( Birch americana) is the most The three most important important of the native species are yellow birch basswood species; next in (), importance is white bass- sweet birch (B. lenta), and wood (T. heterophylla), paper birch (B. papyrifera). and no attempt is made These three species are the to distinguish between source of most birch lumber these species in lumber form. In commercial usage, “white and veneer. Other birch basswood” is used to specify the white wood or sapwood species of some commercial

2–4 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods importance are river birch (B. nigra), and gray birch The narrow sapwood is nearly white and the heartwood is (B. populifolia). Paper birch is transcontinental, whereas light brown, frequently modified by pinkish tones or darker yellow and sweet birch grow principally in the North- brown streaks. The wood is moderately light in weight, east and the Lake States; yellow and sweet birch also rather coarse textured, moderately weak in bending and grow along the to northern endwise compression, relatively low in stiffness, moderate- Georgia. ly soft, and moderately high in shock resistance. Butternut machines easily and finishes well. In many ways, butternut Yellow birch has white sapwood and light reddish-brown resembles black walnut, especially when stained, but it does heartwood. Sweet birch has light-colored sapwood and not have the same strength or . dark brown heartwood tinged with red. For both yellow and sweet birch, the wood is heavy, hard, and strong, and has Principal uses are for lumber and veneer, which are further good shock-resisting ability. The wood is fine and uniform manufactured into furniture, cabinets, paneling, interior in texture. Paper birch is lower in weight, softer, and lower woodwork, and miscellaneous rough items. in strength than yellow and sweet birch. Birch shrinks con- siderably during drying. Cherry, Black Black cherry ( sero‑ Yellow and sweet birch lumber is used primarily for the tina) is sometimes known manufacture of furniture, boxes, baskets, crates, wooden as cherry, wild black cherry, ware, cooperage, interior woodwork, and doors; veneer and wild cherry. It is the plywood is used for doors, furniture, paneling, cabinets, only native species of the aircraft, and other specialty uses. Paper birch is used for Prunus that produces toothpicks, tongue depressors, cream sticks, and turned commercial lumber. Black products, including spools, bobbins, small handles, and cherry is found from south- toys. eastern Canada throughout the eastern half of the United Buckeye States. Production is centered chiefly in the Middle Atlantic States. Buckeye consists of two spe- cies, yellow buckeye (Aes‑ The heartwood of black cherry varies from light to dark culus octandra) and Ohio reddish brown and has a distinctive luster. The nearly white buckeye (A. glabra). These sapwood is narrow in old-growth trees and wider in second- species range from the Ap- growth trees. The wood has a fairly uniform texture and palachians of Pennsylvania, very good properties. It is moderately heavy, Virginia, and North Carolina strong, stiff, and moderately hard, with high shock resis- westward to Kansas, Okla- tance. Although it has moderately high shrinkage, it is very homa, and Texas. Buckeye is dimensionally stable after drying. not customarily separated from other species when manu- Black cherry is used principally for furniture, fine veneer factured into lumber and can be used for the same purposes panels, and architectural woodwork. Other uses include as aspen (Populus), basswood (Tilia), and sapwood of burial caskets, wooden ware, novelties, patterns, and yellow-poplar (). paneling. The white sapwood of buckeye merges gradually into the creamy or yellowish white heartwood. The wood is uniform , American in texture, generally straight grained, light in weight, soft, (Casta‑ and low in shock resistance. It is rated low on machinability nea dentata) is also known such as shaping, mortising, boring, and turning. as sweet chestnut. Before this species was attacked by Buckeye is suitable for pulping for paper; in lumber form, a blight in the 1920s, it grew it has been used principally for furniture, boxes and crates, in commercial quantities containers, wooden ware, novelties, and mill from New England to north- products. ern Georgia. Practically all Butternut standing chestnut has been killed by blight, and most sup- plies of the lumber come from salvaged timbers. Because Also called white walnut, of the species’ natural resistance to decay, standing dead butternut ( cinerea) trees in the Appalachian Mountains continued to provide grows from southern New substantial quantities of lumber for several decades after the Brunswick and Maine west blight, but this source is now exhausted. to . Its southern range extends into northeast- The heartwood of chestnut is grayish brown or brown and ern Arkansas and eastward darkens with age. The sapwood is very narrow and almost to western North Carolina.

2–5 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 white. The wood is coarse in texture; growth rings are made September (U. serotina) elm. American elm is also known conspicuous by several rows of large, distinct pores at the as white elm, slippery elm as red elm, elm as beginning of each year’s growth. Chestnut wood is moder- elm, and winged elm as wahoo. American elm is threatened ately light in weight, moderately hard, moderately low in by two diseases, Dutch Elm disease and phloem necrosis, strength, moderately low in resistance to shock, and low in which have killed hundreds of thousands of trees. stiffness. It dries well and is easy to work with tools. Sapwood of elm is nearly white and heartwood light brown, Chestnut was once used for flooring, poles, railroad cross- often tinged with red. Elm may be divided into two general ties, furniture, caskets, boxes, shingles, crates, and core- classes, soft and hard, based on the weight and strength of stock for veneer panels. At present, it appears most fre- the wood. Soft elm includes American and slippery elm. quently as wormy chestnut for paneling, interior woodwork, It is moderately heavy, has high shock resistance, and is and picture frames. moderately hard and stiff. Hard elm includes rock, winged, cedar, and September elm. These species are somewhat Cottonwood heavier than soft elm. Elm has excellent bending qualities. Cottonwood includes sev- eral species of the genus Historically, elm lumber was used for boxes, baskets, Populus. Most important are crates, slack cooperage, furniture, agricultural supplies and eastern cottonwood (P. del‑ implements, caskets and burial boxes, and wood compo- toides and its varieties), also nents in vehicles. Today, elm lumber and veneer are used known as Carolina poplar mostly for furniture and decorative panels. Hard elm is pre- and whitewood; swamp cot- ferred for uses that require strength. tonwood (P. heterophylla), Hackberry also known as river cottonwood and swamp poplar; black Hackberry ( occi‑ cottonwood (P. trichocarpa); and balsam poplar (P. balsam‑ dentalis) and sugarberry ifera). Eastern and swamp cottonwood grow throughout (C. laevigata) supply the the eastern half of the United States. Greatest production lumber known in the trade of lumber is in the Southern and Central States. Black cot- as hackberry. Hackberry tonwood grows on the West Coast and in western Montana, grows east of the Great northern Idaho, and western Nevada. Balsam poplar grows Plains from Alabama, Geor- from Alaska across Canada and in the northern Great Lakes gia, Arkansas, and Oklaho- States. ma northward, except along the Canadian boundary. Sugar- The heartwood of cottonwood is grayish white to light overlaps the southern part of the hackberry range and brown. The sapwood is whitish and merges gradually with grows throughout the Southern and South Atlantic States. the heartwood. The wood is comparatively uniform in tex- Sapwood of both species varies from pale yellow to green- ture and generally straight grained. It is odorless when well ish or grayish yellow. The heartwood is commonly darker. dried. Eastern cottonwood is moderately low in bending The wood resembles elm in structure. Hackberry lumber is and compressive strength, moderately stiff, moderately soft, moderately heavy. It is moderately strong in bending, mod- and moderately low in ability to resist shock. Most strength erately weak in compression parallel to grain, moderately properties of black cottonwood are slightly lower than those hard to very hard, and high in shock resistance, but low in of eastern cottonwood. Both eastern and black cottonwood stiffness. Hackberry has high shrinkage but keeps its shape have moderately high shrinkage. Some cottonwood is dif- well during drying. ficult to work with tools because of its fuzzy surface, which is mainly the result of tension wood. Most hackberry is cut into lumber; small amounts are used for furniture parts, dimension stock, and veneer. Cottonwood is used principally for lumber, veneer, pulp- Hickory ( Hickory Group) wood, excelsior, and . Lumber and veneer are used pri- marily for boxes, crates, baskets, and pallets. Species of the pecan hick- ory group include bitternut Elm hickory (Carya cordifor‑ Six species of elm grow mis), pecan hickory in the eastern United (C. illinoensis), water States: American (Ulmus hickory (C. aquatica), americana), slippery and nutmeg hickory (U. rubra), rock (U. thoma‑ (C. myristiciformis). Bitter- sii), winged (U. alata), hickory grows through- cedar (U. crassifolia), and out the eastern half of the United States; pecan hickory, from central Texas and Louisiana to Missouri and Indiana;

2–6 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods water hickory, from Texas to South Carolina; and nutmeg heavy, very hard, strong in bending, stiff, resistant to shock, hickory, in Texas and Louisiana. and durable when in contact with the ground. The sapwood of this group is white or nearly white and rel- When available, honeylocust is primarily used locally for atively wide. The heartwood is somewhat darker. The wood fence posts and general construction. It is occasionally used is heavy and sometimes has very high shrinkage. with other species in lumber for pallets and crating. Heavy pecan hickory is used for tool and implement Locust, Black handles and flooring. The lower grades are used for pallets. Black locust (Robinia Many higher grade logs are sliced to provide veneer for fur- pseudoacacia) is some- niture and decorative paneling. times called yellow locust. Hickory (True Hickory Group) This species grows from Pennsylvania along the True are found Appalachian Mountains throughout the eastern half to northern Georgia and of the United States. The Alabama. It is also native species most important to western Arkansas and commercially are shagbark southern Missouri. The greatest production of black locust (), pignut timber is in Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and (C. glabra), shellbark Virginia. (C. laciniosa), and mock- ernut (C. tomentosa). The greatest commercial production Locust has narrow, creamy white sapwood. The heartwood, of the true hickories for all uses is in the Middle Atlantic when freshly cut, varies from greenish yellow to dark and Central States, with the Southern and South Atlantic brown. Black locust is very heavy, very hard, very resistant States rapidly expanding to handle nearly half of all hickory to shock, and very strong and stiff. It has moderately low lumber. shrinkage. The heartwood has high decay resistance. The sapwood of the true hickory group is white and usu- Black locust is used for round, hewn, or split mine timbers ally quite wide, except in old, slow-growing trees. The as well as fence posts, poles, railroad crossties, stakes, and heartwood is reddish. The wood is exceptionally tough, fuel. Other uses are for rough construction and crating. heavy, hard, and strong, and shrinks considerably in drying. Historically, black locust was important for the manufacture For some purposes, both rings per centimeter (or inch) and of insulator pins and wooden pegs used in the construction weight are limiting factors where strength is important. of ships, for which the wood was well adapted because of its strength, decay resistance, and moderate shrinkage and The major use for high quality hickory is for tool handles swelling. that require high shock resistance. It is also used for lad- der rungs, athletic goods, agricultural implements, dowels, Magnolia gymnasium apparatuses, poles, and furniture. Lower grade Commercial magnolia hickory is not suitable for the special uses of high quality consists of three species: hickory because of knottiness or other growth features and southern magnolia (Mag‑ low . However, the lower grade is useful for pallets nolia grandiflora), sweet- and similar items. Hickory , chips, and some bay (M. virginiana), wood are used to flavor by . and cucumbertree (M. acuminata). Other Honeylocust names for southern The wood of honeylocust magnolia are evergreen (Gleditsia triacanthos) has magnolia, big laurel, and bull bay. Sweetbay is sometimes many desirable qualities, called swamp magnolia. The lumber produced by all three such as attractive figure species is simply called magnolia. The natural range of and color, hardness, and sweetbay extends along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts from strength, but it is little used Long Island to Texas, and that of southern magnolia ex- because of its scarcity. This tends from North Carolina to Texas. Cucumbertree grows species is found most com- from the Appalachians to the Ozarks northward to Ohio. monly in the eastern United States, except for New England Louisiana leads in the production of magnolia lumber. and the South Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains. Sapwood of southern magnolia is yellowish white, and Sapwood is generally wide and yellowish, in contrast to the heartwood is light to dark brown with a tinge of yellow or light red to reddish-brown heartwood. The wood is very green. The wood, which has close, uniform texture and is

2–7 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 generally straight grained, closely resembles yellow-poplar Heartwood and sapwood are similar in appearance to hard (Liriodendron tulipifera). It is moderately heavy, moder- maple. Heartwood of soft maple is somewhat lighter in ately low in shrinkage, moderately low in bending and com- color than the sapwood and somewhat wider. The wood of pressive strength, moderately hard and stiff, and moderately soft maple, primarily and red maple, resembles that high in shock resistance. Sweetbay is much like southern of hard maple but is not as heavy, hard, and strong. magnolia. The wood of cucumbertree is similar to that of Soft maple is used for railroad crossties, boxes, pallets, yellow-poplar (L. tulipifera). Cucumbertree that grows in crates, furniture, veneer, wooden ware, and novelties. the yellow-poplar range is not separated from that species on the market. Oak, Live Magnolia lumber is used principally in the manufacture of See Oak (Tropical) furniture, boxes, pallets, venetian blinds, sashes, doors, ve- Oak (Red Oak Group) neer, and millwork. Most red oak comes Maple (Hard Maple Group) from the Eastern States. Hard maple includes The principal species are sugar maple (Acer sac‑ northern red (Quercus ru‑ charum) and black maple bra), scarlet (Q. coccinea), (A. nigrum). Sugar maple Shumard (Q. shumardii), is also known as rock pin (Q. palustris), Nuttall maple, and black maple (Q. nuttallii), black as black sugar maple. (Q. velutina), southern Maple lumber is manu- red (Q. falcata), cherrybark (Q. falcata var. pagodaefolia), factured principally in water (Q. nigra), laurel (Q. laurifolia), and willow (Q. phel‑ the Middle Atlantic and Great Lake States, which together los) oak. account for about two-thirds of production. The sapwood is nearly white and roughly 2 to 5 cm (1 to The heartwood is usually light reddish brown but some- 2 in.) wide. The heartwood is brown with a tinge of red. times considerably darker. The sapwood is commonly white Sawn lumber of the red oak group cannot be separated by with a slight reddish-brown tinge. It is usually 8 to 12 cm species on the basis of wood characteristics alone. Red oak (3 to 5 in.) wide. Hard maple has a fine, uniform texture. lumber can be separated from white oak by the size and It is heavy, strong, stiff, hard, and resistant to shock and arrangement of pores in latewood and because it generally has high shrinkage. The grain of sugar maple is generally lacks tyloses in the pores. The open pores of red oak make straight, but birdseye, curly, or fiddleback grain is often se- this species group unsuitable for tight cooperage, unless the lected for furniture or novelty items. barrels are lined with sealer or . Quartersawn lumber of the is distinguished by its broad and conspicuous Hard maple is used principally for lumber and veneer. A rays. Wood of the red oaks is heavy. Rapidly grown second- large proportion is manufactured into flooring, furniture, growth wood is generally harder and tougher than finer cabinets, cutting boards and blocks, , billiard cues, textured old-growth wood. The red oaks have fairly high handles, novelties, bowling alleys, dance and gymnasium shrinkage upon drying. , spools, and bobbins. The red oaks are primarily cut into lumber, railroad cross- Maple (Soft Maple Group) ties, mine timbers, fence posts, veneer, pulpwood, and Soft maple includes silver fuelwood. Ties, mine timbers, and fence posts require pre- maple (Acer sacchari‑ servative treatment for satisfactory service. Red oak lumber num), red maple is remanufactured into flooring, furniture, general millwork, (A. rubrum), boxelder boxes, pallets and crates, agricultural implements, caskets, (A. negundo), and bigleaf wooden ware, and handles. It is also used in railroad cars maple (A. macrophyl‑ and boats. lum). Silver maple is also Oak (White Oak Group) known as white, river, water, and swamp maple; White oak lumber comes red maple as soft, water, scarlet, white, and swamp maple; chiefly from the South, boxelder as ash-leaved, three-leaved, and cut-leaved maple; South Atlantic, and Cen- and bigleaf maple as Oregon maple. Soft maple is found in tral States, including the the eastern United States except for bigleaf maple, which southern Appalachian comes from the Pacific Coast. area. Principal species are white (),

2–8 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods chestnut (Q. prinus), (Q. stellata), overcup (Q. lyrata), brown heartwood). Sweetgum often has a form of cross swamp chestnut (Q. michauxii), bur (Q. macrocarpa), grain called interlocked grain, and it must be dried slowly. chinkapin (Q. muehlenbergii), and swamp white When quartersawn, interlocked grain produces a ribbon- (Q. bicolor). The most important western oak species, Or- type stripe that is desirable for interior woodwork and egon white oak (Q. garryana), is a member of this group. furniture. The wood is moderately heavy and hard. It is moderately strong, moderately stiff, and moderately high The sapwood of the white oaks is nearly white and roughly in shock resistance. 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in.) wide. The heartwood is generally grayish brown. Heartwood pores are usually plugged with Sweetgum is used principally for lumber, veneer, plywood, tyloses, which tend to make the wood impenetrable to liq- slack cooperage, railroad crossties, fuel, pulpwood, boxes uids. Consequently, most white oaks are suitable for tight and crates, furniture, interior moulding, and millwork. cooperage, although many heartwood pores of chestnut oak Sycamore, American lack tyloses. The wood of white oak is somewhat heavier than the wood of red oak. Its heartwood has good decay American sycamore resistance. () is sometimes called - White oaks are usually cut into lumber, railroad crossties, wood or buttonball‑tree. cooperage, mine timbers, fence posts, veneer, fuelwood, Sycamore grows from and many other products. High-quality white oak is es- Maine to Nebraska, pecially sought for tight cooperage. An important use of southward to Texas, and white oak is for planking and bent parts of ships and boats; eastward to Florida. heartwood is often specified because of its decay resistance. White oak is also used for furniture, flooring, pallets, agri- The heartwood of sycamore is reddish brown; the sapwood cultural implements, railroad cars, truck floors, furniture, is light in color and from 4 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in.) wide. The doors, and millwork. wood has a fine texture and interlocked grain. It has high shrinkage in drying. It is moderately heavy, moderately Sassafras hard, moderately stiff, moderately strong, and it has good Sassafras (Sassafras albi‑ shock resistance. dum) ranges from south- Sycamore is used principally for lumber, veneer, railroad eastern Iowa and eastern crossties, slack cooperage, fence posts, and fuel. The lum- Texas eastward. Sassafras ber is used for furniture, boxes (particularly small food is easily confused with containers), pallets, flooring, handles, and butcher blocks. black ash, which it re- Veneer is used for and baskets and some sembles in color, grain, decorative panels and door skins. and texture. Sapwood is light yellow, and heartwood varies from dull grayish brown Tanoak to dark brown, sometimes with a reddish tinge. Freshly cut Tanoak (Lithocarpus surfaces have a characteristic odor. The wood is moderately densiflorus) is also heavy, moderately hard, moderately weak in bending and known as -oak endwise compression, quite high in shock resistance, and because high-grade tan- resistant to decay. nin was once obtained Sassafras was highly prized by the native Americans for in commercial quanti- dugout , and some sassafras lumber is still used for ties from its . This small boats. Locally, sassafras is used for fence posts and species is found from rails and for general millwork. southwestern Oregon to southern California, mostly near the coast but also in the Sweetgum Sierra Nevadas. Sweetgum (Liquidambar Sapwood of tanoak is light reddish brown when first cut and styraciflua) grows from turns darker with age to become almost indistinguishable southwestern Connecticut from heartwood, which also ages to dark reddish brown. westward into Missouri The wood is heavy and hard. Except for compression per- and southward to the Gulf pendicular to grain, the wood has roughly the same strength Coast. Almost all lumber properties as those of eastern white oak. Tanoak has higher is produced in the South- shrinkage during drying than does white oak, and it has a ern and South Atlantic tendency to collapse during drying. Tanoak is quite suscep- States. tible to decay, but the sapwood takes preservatives easily. The lumber from sweetgum is usually separated into sap gum (the light-colored sapwood) or redgum (the reddish-

2–9 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190

Tanoak has straight grain, machines and glues well, and The heartwood of black walnut varies from light to takes stains readily. dark brown; the sapwood is nearly white and up to 8 cm (3 in.) wide in open-grown trees. Black walnut is normally Because of its hardness and abrasion resistance, tanoak is straight grained, easily worked with tools, and stable in use. excellent for flooring in homes or commercial buildings. It is heavy, hard, strong, and stiff, and has good resistance It is also suitable for industrial applications such as truck to shock. Black walnut is well suited for natural finishes. flooring. Tanoak treated with preservative has been used for railroad crossties. The wood has been manufactured into Because of its good properties and interesting grain pattern, baseball bats with good results, and it is also suitable for black walnut is much valued for furniture, architectural veneer, both decorative and industrial, and for high quality woodwork, and decorative panels. Other important uses are furniture. gunstocks, cabinets, and interior woodwork. Tupelo Willow, Black The tupelo group in- Black willow (Salix nig‑ cludes water (Nyssa ra) is the most aquatica), black (N. syl‑ important of the many vatica), swamp (N. syl‑ that grow in vatica var. biflora), and the United States. It is Ogeechee (N. ogeche) the only willow marketed tupelo. Water tupelo is under its own name. also known as tupelo Most black willow gum, swamp tupelo, and comes from the Missis- sourgum; black tupelo, as blackgum and sourgum; swamp sippi Valley, from Louisiana to southern Missouri and tupelo, as swamp blackgum, blackgum, and sourgum; Illinois. and Ogeechee tupelo, as sour tupelo, gopher , and The heartwood of black willow is grayish brown or light Ogeechee plum. All except black tupelo grow principally reddish brown and frequently contains darker streaks. The in the southeastern United States. Black tupelo grows in the sapwood is whitish to creamy yellow. The wood is uniform eastern United States from Maine to Texas and Missouri. in texture, with somewhat interlocked grain, and is light in About two-thirds of the production of tupelo lumber is from weight. It has exceedingly low strength as a or post, is Southern States. moderately soft, and is moderately high in shock resistance. Wood of the different tupelo species is quite similar in ap- It has moderately high shrinkage. pearance and properties. The heartwood is light brownish Black willow is principally cut into lumber, which is then gray and merges gradually into the lighter-colored sapwood, remanufactured into boxes, pallets, crates, caskets, and fur- which is generally many centimeters wide. The wood has niture. Small amounts have been used for slack cooperage, fine, uniform texture and interlocked grain. Tupelo wood is veneer, excelsior, , pulpwood, artificial limbs, and moderately heavy, moderately strong, moderately hard and fence posts. stiff, and moderately high in shock resistance. Buttresses of trees growing in swamps or flooded areas contain wood that Yellow-Poplar is much lighter in weight than that from upper portions of Yellow-poplar (Liri‑ the same trees. Because of interlocked grain, tupelo lumber odendron tulipifera) is requires care in drying. also known as poplar, Tupelo is cut principally for lumber, veneer, pulpwood, and tulip-poplar, and tulip- some railroad crossties and slack cooperage. Lumber goes wood. Sapwood from into boxes, pallets, crates, baskets, and furniture. yellow-poplar is some- times called white poplar Walnut, Black or whitewood. Yellow- Black walnut (Juglans poplar grows from Con- nigra) ranges from Ver- necticut and New York southward to Florida and westward mont to the Great Plains to Missouri. The greatest commercial production of yellow- and southward into Loui- poplar lumber is in the South and Southeast. siana and Texas. About Yellow-poplar sapwood is white and frequently several cen- three-quarters of walnut timeters wide. The heartwood is yellowish brown, some- wood is grown in the times streaked with purple, green, black, blue, or red. These Central States. colorations do not affect the physical properties of the

2–10 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods wood. The wood is generally straight grained and compara- paneling. Pecky is used for paneling in restaurants, tively uniform in texture. Slow-grown wood is moderately stores, and other buildings. light in weight and moderately low in bending strength, Douglas-Fir moderately soft, and moderately low in shock resistance. The wood has moderately high shrinkage when dried from Douglas-fir (Pseu‑ a green condition, but it is not difficult to dry and is stable dotsuga menziesii) is after drying. also known locally as red-fir, Douglas-spruce, The lumber is used primarily for furniture, interior mould- and yellow-fir. Its range ing, , cabinets, musical instruments, and engineered extends from the Rocky wood composites. Boxes, pallets, and crates are made from Mountains to the Pacific lower-grade stock. Yellow-poplar is also made into ply- Coast and from Mexico wood for paneling, furniture, cases, and various other to central British special products. Columbia. U.S. Softwoods Sapwood of Douglas-fir is narrow in old-growth trees but Baldcypress may be as much as 7 cm (3 in.) wide in second-growth trees of commercial size. Young trees of moderate to rapid Baldcypress or cypress growth have reddish heartwood and are called red-fir. Very ( distichum) is narrow-ringed heartwood of old-growth trees may be yel- also known as southern- lowish brown and is known on the market as yellow-fir. The cypress, red-cypress, wood of Douglas-fir varies widely in weight and strength. yellow-cypress, and white-cypress. Commer- Douglas-fir is used mostly for building and construction cially, the terms tidewater purposes in the form of lumber, marine fendering, piles, red-cypress, gulf- plywood, and composites. Considerable cypress, red-cypress quantities are used for railroad crossties, cooperage stock, (coast type), and yellow-cypress (inland type) are fre- mine timbers, poles, and fencing. Douglas-fir lumber is quently used. About half of the cypress lumber comes from used in the manufacture of sashes, doors, laminated beams, the Southern States and about a fourth from the South At- general millwork, railroad-car construction, boxes, pallets, lantic States. Old-growth baldcypress is difficult to find, but and crates. Small amounts are used for flooring, furniture, second-growth wood is available. ship and boat construction, and tanks. Sapwood of baldcypress is narrow and nearly white. The Fir, True (Eastern Species) color of heartwood varies widely, ranging from light yel- Balsam fir Abies( bal‑ lowish brown to dark brownish red, brown, or chocolate. samea) grows principally The wood is moderately heavy, moderately strong, and in New England, New moderately hard. The heartwood of old-growth baldcy- York, Pennsylvania, and press is one of the most decay resistant of U.S. species, but the Great Lake States. second-growth wood is only moderately resistant to decay. Fraser fir (A. fraseri) Shrinkage is moderately low but somewhat higher than grows in the Appalachian that of the cedars and lower than that of Southern Pine. The Mountains of Virginia, wood of certain baldcypress trees frequently contains pock- North Carolina, and ets or localized areas that have been attacked by a . Tennessee. Such wood is known as pecky cypress. The decay caused by this fungus is stopped when the wood is cut into lumber The wood of the eastern true is creamy white to pale and dried. Pecky cypress is therefore durable and useful brown. The heartwood and sapwood are generally indis- where water tightness is unnecessary, appearance is not tinguishable. The similarity of wood structure in the true important, or a novel effect is desired. firs makes it impossible to distinguish the species by ex- amination of the wood alone. Balsam and Fraser firs are When old-growth wood was available, baldcypress was lightweight, have low bending and compressive strength, used principally for building construction, especially where are moderately low in stiffness, are soft, and have low resis- resistance to decay was required. It was also used for tance to shock. caskets, sashes, doors, blinds, tanks, vats, ship and , and cooling towers. Second-growth wood is used The eastern firs are used mainly for pulpwood, although for siding and millwork, including interior woodwork and some lumber is produced for structural products, especially in New England and the Great Lake States.

2–11 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190

Fir, True (Western Species) construction and in the manufacture of boxes, pallets, and Six commercial species crates. make up the western true Hemlock, Western and Mountain firs: subalpine firAbies ( Western hemlock ( lasiocarpa), California heterophylla) is also red fir (A. magnifica), known as West Coast grand fir (A. grandis), hemlock, Pacific hem- noble fir A.( procera), lock, British Columbia Pacific silver firA. ( ama‑ hemlock, hemlock– bilis), and white fir spruce, and western (A. concolor). The western true firs are cut for lumber pri- hemlock–fir. It grows marily in Washington, Oregon, California, western Mon- along the Pacific coast tana, and northern Idaho, and they are marketed as white of Oregon and Washington and in the northern Rocky fir throughout the United States. Mountains north to Canada and Alaska. A relative of west- The wood of the western true firs is similar to that of the ern hemlock, mountain hemlock (T. mertensiana) grows in eastern true firs, and it is not possible to distinguish among mountainous country from central California to Alaska. It is the true fir species by examination of the wood alone. treated as a separate species in assigning lumber properties. Western true firs are light in weight and, with the exception The heartwood and sapwood of western hemlock are al- of subalpine fir, have somewhat higher strength properties most white with a purplish tinge. The sapwood, which is than does balsam fir. Shrinkage of the wood is low to mod- sometimes lighter in color than the heartwood, is generally erately high. not more than 2.5 cm (1 in.) wide. The wood often contains Lumber of the western true firs is primarily used for build- small, sound, black knots that are usually tight and dimen- ing construction, boxes and crates, planing-mill products, sionally stable. Dark streaks are often found in the lumber; sashes, doors, and general millwork. Some western true fir these are caused by hemlock bark maggots and generally lumber is manufactured into boxes and crates. High-grade do not reduce strength. Western hemlock is moderately lumber from noble fir is used mainly for interior woodwork, light in weight and moderate in strength. It is also moder- moulding, siding, and sash and door stock. Some of the ate in hardness, stiffness, and shock resistance. Shrinkage highest quality material has been used for aircraft construc- of western hemlock is moderately high, about the same as tion. Other special uses of noble fir are venetian blinds and that of Douglas-fir ( menziesii). Green hem- rails. lock lumber contains considerably more water than does Douglas-fir and requires longer -drying time. Mountain Hemlock, Eastern hemlock has approximately the same density as that of Eastern hemlock (Tsuga western hemlock but is somewhat lower in bending strength canadensis) grows from and stiffness. New England to northern Alabama and Georgia, Western hemlock and mountain hemlock are used prin- and in the Great Lake cipally for pulpwood, lumber, and plywood. The lumber States. Other names are is used primarily for , as well as in the Canadian hemlock and manufacture of boxes, pallets, crates, flooring, furniture, hemlock‑spruce. The pro- and . duction of hemlock lum- Incense-Cedar ber is divided fairly evenly among the New England States, Incense-cedar (Caloce‑ Middle Atlantic States, and Great Lake States. drus decurrens) grows in The heartwood of eastern hemlock is pale brown with a red- California, southwestern dish hue. The sapwood is not distinctly separated from the Oregon, and extreme heartwood but may be lighter in color. The wood is coarse western Nevada. Most and uneven in texture, and old trees tend to have consider- incense-cedar lumber able shake. The wood is moderately lightweight, moder- comes from the northern ately hard, moderately low in strength, moderately stiff, half of California. and moderately low in shock resistance. Sapwood of incense-cedar is white or cream colored, and Eastern hemlock is used principally for lumber and heartwood is light brown, often tinged with red. The wood pulpwood. The lumber is used primarily in building

2–12 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods has a fine, uniform texture and a spicy odor. Incense-cedar one-half the production of eastern white pine lumber occurs is light in weight, moderately low in strength, soft, low in in New England, about one-third in the Great Lake States, shock resistance, and low in stiffness. It has low shrinkage and most of the remainder in the middle Atlantic and south and is easy to dry, with little checking or warping. Atlantic States. Incense-cedar is used principally for lumber and fence The heartwood of eastern white pine is light brown, often posts. Nearly all the high-grade lumber is used for with a reddish tinge. It turns darker on exposure to air. The and venetian blinds; some is used for chests and toys. Much wood has comparatively uniform texture and is straight incense-cedar wood is more or less pecky; that is, it con- grained. It is easily kiln dried, has low shrinkage, and ranks tains pockets or areas of disintegrated wood caused by ad- high in stability. It is also easy to work and can be readily vanced stages of localized decay in the living tree. There is glued. Eastern white pine is lightweight, moderately soft, no further development of decay once the lumber is dried. moderately low in strength, low in shock resistance, and Other uses are railroad crossties, poles, split shingles, pen- low in stiffness. cils, and composite logs. Practically all eastern white pine is converted into lumber, Larch, Western which is used in a great variety of ways. A large propor- (Larix tion, mostly second-growth knotty wood or lower grades, occidentalis) grows in is used for structural lumber. High-grade lumber is used for western Montana, north- patterns. Other important uses are sashes, doors, furniture, ern Idaho, northeastern interior woodwork, knotty paneling, caskets, and map Oregon, and on the east- rollers, and toys. ern slope of the Cascade Pine, Jack Mountains in Washing- (Pinus banksi‑ ton. About two-thirds ana), sometimes known of the lumber of this as scrub, gray, and black species is produced in Idaho and Montana and one-third in pine in the United States, Oregon and Washington. grows naturally in the The heartwood of western larch is yellowish brown and the Great Lake States and in sapwood is yellowish white. The sapwood is generally not a few scattered areas in more than 2.5 cm (1 in.) wide. The wood is stiff, moderate- New England and north- ly strong and hard, moderately high in shock resistance, and ern New York. Sapwood moderately heavy. It has moderately high shrinkage. The of jack pine is nearly white; heartwood is light brown to wood is usually straight grained, splits easily, and is subject orange. Sapwood may constitute one-half or more of the to shake. Knots are common but generally small and volume of a tree. The wood has a rather coarse texture and tight. is somewhat resinous. It is moderately lightweight, mod- erately low in bending strength and compressive strength, Western larch is used mainly for rough dimension wood in moderately low in shock resistance, and low in stiffness. It building construction, small timbers, planks and boards, and also has moderately low shrinkage. Lumber from jack pine railroad crossties and mine timbers. It is used also for piles, is generally knotty. poles, and posts. Some high-grade material is manufactured into interior woodwork, flooring, sashes, doors, and ladder Jack pine is used for pulpwood, lumber, and pallets. stock. The properties of western larch are similar to those of Less important uses include railroad crossties, mine timber, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and these species are slack cooperage, poles, posts, and fuel. sometimes sold mixed. Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Eastern White Lodgepole pine (Pinus Eastern white pine (), also known strobus) grows from as knotty, black, and Maine to northern Geor- spruce pine, grows in gia and in the Great Lake the Rocky Mountain and States. It is also known Pacific Coast regions as as white pine, northern far northward as Alaska. white pine, Weymouth Wood for lumber and pine, and soft pine. About other products is

2–13 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 produced primarily in the central Rocky Mountain States; The heartwood of ponderosa pine is light reddish brown, other producing regions are Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and and the wide sapwood is nearly white to pale yellow. The Washington. wood of the outer portions of ponderosa pine of sawtimber size is generally moderately light in weight, moderately low The heartwood of lodgepole pine varies from light yellow in strength, moderately soft, moderately stiff, and moder- to light yellow-brown. The sapwood is yellow or nearly ately low in shock resistance. It is generally straight grained white. The wood is generally straight grained with narrow and has moderately low shrinkage. It is quite uniform in growth rings. The wood is moderately lightweight, is fairly texture and has little tendency to warp and twist. easy to work, and has moderately high shrinkage. It is mod- erately low in strength, moderately soft, moderately stiff, Ponderosa pine has been used mainly for lumber and to a and moderately low in shock resistance. lesser extent for piles, poles, posts, mine timbers, veneer, and railroad crossties. The clear wood is used for sashes, Lodgepole pine has been used for lumber, mine timbers, doors, blinds, moulding, paneling, interior woodwork, and railroad crossties, and poles. Less important uses include built-in cases and cabinets. Low-grade lumber is used for posts and fuel. Lodgepole pine is being used increasingly boxes and crates. Knotty ponderosa pine is used for interior for structural lumber, millwork, cabinet logs, and engi- woodwork. neered wood composites. Pine, Red Pine, and Pond Red pine (Pinus resi‑ Pitch pine (Pinus nosa) is frequently called rigida) grows from Norway pine. This spe- Maine along the moun- cies grows in New Eng- tains to eastern Ten- , New York, Penn- nessee and northern sylvania, and the Great Georgia. A relative of Lake States. pitch pine (considered by some to be a The heartwood of red ), pond pine varies from pale red to reddish brown. The sapwood is pine (P. serotina) grows in the coastal region from nearly white with a yellowish tinge and is generally from 5 New Jersey to Florida. to 10 cm (2 to 4 in.) wide. The wood resembles the lighter weight wood of the Southern Pine species group. Red pine The heartwood is brownish red or dark orange and resinous; is moderately heavy, moderately strong and stiff, moderate- the sapwood is wide and light yellow. The wood is moder- ly soft, and moderately high in shock resistance. It is gener- ately heavy to heavy, moderately strong, stiff, and hard, and ally straight grained, not as uniform in texture as eastern moderately high in shock resistance. Shrinkage ranges from white pine (P. strobus), and somewhat resinous. The wood moderately low to moderately high. has moderately high shrinkage, but it is not difficult to dry Pitch and pond pine are used for general construction, lum- and is dimensionally stable when dried. ber, posts, poles, fuel, and pulpwood. Red pine is used principally for lumber, cabin logs, and Pine, Ponderosa pulpwood, and to a lesser extent for piles, poles, posts, and Ponderosa pine (Pinus fuel. The lumber is used for many of the same purposes ponderosa) is also as for eastern white pine (P. strobus). Red pine lumber is known as western yel- used primarily for building construction, including treated low, bull, and blackjack lumber for decking, siding, flooring, sashes, doors, general pine. Jeffrey pine millwork, and boxes, pallets, and crates. (P. jeffreyi), which grows Pine, Southern Group in close association A number of species are with ponderosa pine in included in the group California and Oregon, marketed as Southern is usually marketed with Pine lumber. The four ponderosa pine and sold under that name. Major ponderosa major Southern Pine pine producing areas are in Oregon, Washington, and Cali- species and their growth fornia. Other important producing areas are in Idaho and ranges are as follows: Montana; lesser amounts come from the southern Rocky (a) (Pinus Mountain region, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and palustris), eastern North Wyoming.

2–14 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods

Carolina southward into Florida and westward into eastern strength values than the wood of the major Southern Pine Texas; (b) shortleaf pine (P. echinata), southeastern New species group. Spruce pine compares favorably with the York southward to northern Florida and westward into western true firs in important bending properties, crushing eastern Texas and ; (c) loblolly pine (P. taeda), strength (perpendicular and parallel to grain), and hard- Maryland southward through the Atlantic Coastal Plain and ness. It is similar to denser species such as coast Douglas-fir Piedmont Plateau into Florida and westward into eastern (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and loblolly pine () in Texas; (d) slash pine (P. elliottii), Florida and southern shear parallel to grain. South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Loui- In the past, spruce pine was principally used locally for siana east of the Mississippi River. Lumber from these lumber, pulpwood, and fuelwood. The lumber reportedly four species is classified as Southern Pine by the grading was used for sashes, doors, and interior woodwork because standards of the industry. Southern Pine lumber is produced of its low specific gravity and similarity of earlywood and principally in the Southern and South Atlantic States. Geor- latewood. gia, Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Louisiana lead in Southern Pine lumber production. Pine, Sugar Sugar pine (Pinus lam‑ The wood of these southern is quite similar in appear- bertiana), the world’s ance. Sapwood is yellowish white and heartwood is reddish largest species of pine, is brown. The sapwood is usually wide in second-growth sometimes called Cali- stands. The heartwood begins to form when the tree is about fornia sugar pine. Most 20 years old. In old, slow-growth trees, sapwood may be sugar pine lumber grows only 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in.) wide. in California and south- Longleaf and slash pine are classified as heavy, strong, stiff, western Oregon. hard, and moderately high in shock resistance. Shortleaf The heartwood of sugar pine is buff or light brown, some- and loblolly pine are usually somewhat lighter in weight times tinged with red. The sapwood is creamy white. The than is longleaf. All the southern pines have moderately wood is straight grained, fairly uniform in texture, and high shrinkage but are dimensionally stable when properly easy to work with tools. It has very low shrinkage, is read- dried. ily dried without warping or checking, and is dimension- The denser and higher strength southern pines have been ally stable. Sugar pine is lightweight, moderately low in extensively used in the form of stringers in the construction strength, moderately soft, low in shock resistance, and low of factories, warehouses, bridges, trestles, and docks, and in stiffness. also for roof , beams, posts, , and piles. South- Sugar pine is used almost exclusively for lumber products. ern Pine is also used for tight and slack cooperage. When The largest volume is used for boxes and crates, sashes, used for railroad crossties, piles, poles, mine timbers, and doors, frames, blinds, general millwork, building construc- exterior decking, it is usually treated with preservatives. tion, and foundry patterns. The manufacture of engineered wood composites from Southern Pine is a major wood-using industry, as is the Pine, Virginia production of preservative-treated lumber. Virginia pine (Pinus vir‑ giniana), also known as Pine, Spruce Jersey and scrub pine, Spruce pine (Pinus gla‑ grows from New Jersey bra), is also known as and Virginia throughout cedar pine and Walter the Appalachian region pine. Spruce pine grows to Georgia and the Ohio most commonly on low Valley. It is classified as a moist of the coastal minor species in the grad- regions of southeastern ing rules for the Southern Pine species group. South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, The heartwood is orange, and the sapwood is nearly white and Louisiana, and northern and northwestern Florida. and relatively wide. The wood is moderately heavy, moderately strong, moderately hard, and moderately The heartwood of spruce pine is light brown, and the wide stiff and has moderately high shrinkage and high shock sapwood is nearly white. Spruce pine wood is lower in most resistance.

2–15 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190

Virginia pine is used for lumber, railroad crossties, mine Redcedar, Eastern timbers, and pulpwood. Eastern redcedar (Juni‑ Pine, Western White perus virginiana) grows throughout the eastern half of the United States, (Pinus monticola) is also except in Maine, Florida, known as Idaho white and a narrow strip along pine or white pine. the Gulf Coast, and at the The heartwood of west- higher elevations in the ern white pine is cream Appalachian Mountains. colored to light reddish Commercial production is principally in the southern Ap- brown and darkens on palachian and Cumberland Mountain regions. Another spe- exposure to air. The sap- cies, southern redcedar (J. silicicola), grows over a limited wood is yellowish white and generally from 2 to 8 cm area in the South Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains. (1 to 3 in.) wide. The wood is straight grained, easy to The heartwood of redcedar is bright or dull red, and the work, easily kiln-dried, and stable after drying. This species narrow sapwood is nearly white. The wood is moderately is moderately lightweight, moderately low in strength, mod- heavy, moderately low in strength, hard, and high in shock erately soft, moderately stiff, and moderately low in shock resistance, but low in stiffness. It has very low shrinkage resistance and has moderately high shrinkage. and is dimensionally stable after drying. The texture is fine Practically all western white pine is sawn into lumber, and uniform, and the wood commonly has numerous small which is used mainly for millwork products, such as sashes knots. Eastern redcedar heartwood is very resistant to and door frames. In building construction, lower-grade decay. boards are used for knotty paneling. High-grade material The greatest quantity of eastern and southern redcedar is is made into siding of various kinds, exterior and interior used for fence posts. Lumber is manufactured into chests, woodwork, and millwork. Western white pine has practi- wardrobes, and closet lining. Other uses include flooring, cally the same uses as eastern white pine (P. strobus) and novelties, pencils, scientific instruments, and small boats. sugar pine (P. lambertiana). Redcedar, Western Port-Orford-Cedar Western redcedar ( Port-Orford-cedar plicata) grows in the ( law‑ Pacific Northwest and soniana) is also known along the Pacific Coast to as Lawson-cypress or Alaska. It is also called Oregon-cedar. It grows ‑cedar, giant arbor- along the Pacific Coast vitae, shinglewood, and from Coos Bay, Oregon, Pacific redcedar. West- southward to California. It ern redcedar lumber is does not extend more than produced principally in Washington, followed by Oregon, 65 km (40 mi) inland. Idaho, and Montana. The heartwood of Port-Orford-cedar is light yellow to pale The heartwood of western redcedar is reddish or pinkish brown. The sapwood is narrow and hard to distinguish from brown to dull brown, and the sapwood is nearly white. The the heartwood. The wood has fine texture, generally straight sapwood is narrow, often not more than 3 cm (1 in.) wide. grain, and a pleasant spicy odor. It is moderately light- The wood is generally straight grained and has a uniform weight, stiff, moderately strong and hard, and moderately but rather coarse texture. It has very low shrinkage. This resistant to shock. Port-Orford-cedar heartwood is highly species is lightweight, moderately soft, low in strength resistant to decay. The wood shrinks moderately, has little when used as a beam or post, and low in shock resistance. tendency to warp, and is stable after drying. The heartwood is very resistant to decay. Some high-grade Port-Orford-cedar was once used in the Western redcedar is used principally for shingles, lumber, manufacture of storage battery separators, matchsticks, and poles, posts, and piles. The lumber is used for exterior specialty millwork. Today, other uses are supplies, siding, decking, interior woodwork, ship and boat building, sash and door construction, flooring, interior woodwork, boxes and crates, sashes, and doors. furniture, and boats.

2–16 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods

Redwood after drying, is moderately lightweight and easily worked, Redwood ( sem‑ has moderate shrinkage, and is moderately strong, stiff, pervirens) grows on the tough, and hard. coast of California and The greatest use of eastern spruce is for pulpwood. Eastern some trees are among spruce lumber is used for framing material, general mill- the tallest in the world. work, boxes and crates, and piano sounding boards. A closely related species, giant sequoia (Sequoia‑ Spruce, Engelmann dendron giganteum), is Engelmann spruce (Pi‑ volumetrically larger and cea engelmannii) grows grows in a limited area in the Sierra Nevadas of California, at high elevations in the but its wood is used in very limited quantities. Other names Rocky Mountain region for redwood are coast redwood, California redwood, and of the United States. This sequoia. Production of redwood lumber is limited to Cali- species is also known as fornia, but the market is nationwide. white spruce, mountain spruce, Arizona spruce, The heartwood of redwood varies from light “cherry” red silver spruce, and balsam. to dark . The narrow sapwood is almost white. About two-thirds of the lumber is produced in the southern Typical old-growth redwood is moderately lightweight, Rocky Mountain States and most of the remainder in the moderately strong and stiff, and moderately hard. The wood northern Rocky Mountain States and Oregon. is easy to work, generally straight grained, and shrinks and swells comparatively little. The heartwood from old- The heartwood of Engelmann spruce is nearly white, with growth trees has high decay resistance; heartwood from a slight tinge of red. The sapwood varies from 2 to 5 cm second-growth trees generally has low to moderate decay (1 to 2 in.) in width and is often difficult to distinguish from resistance. the heartwood. The wood has medium to fine texture and is without characteristic odor. Engelmann spruce is rated as Most redwood lumber is used for building. It is remanu- lightweight, and it is low in strength as a beam or post. It is factured extensively into siding, sashes, doors, blinds, also soft and low in stiffness, shock resistance, and shrink- millwork, casket stock, and containers. Because of its dura- age. The lumber typically contains many small knots. bility, redwood is useful for cooling towers, decking, tanks, silos, wood- pipe, and outdoor furniture. It is used in Engelmann spruce is used principally for lumber and for agriculture for buildings and equipment. Its use as timbers mine timbers, railroad crossties, and poles. It is used also and large dimension in bridges and trestles is relatively mi- in building construction in the form of dimension lumber, nor. Redwood splits readily and plays an important role in flooring, and sheathing. It has excellent properties for pulp the manufacture of split products, such as posts and fence and . material. Some redwood veneer is produced for decorative Spruce, Sitka plywood. Sitka spruce (Picea Spruce, Eastern sitchensis) is a large The term eastern spruce tree that grows along includes three species: red the northwestern coast (), white (P. of North America from glauca), and black California to Alaska. It (P. mariana). White is also known as yellow, and black spruce grow tideland, western, silver, principally in the and west coast spruce. Great Lake States and Much Sitka spruce timber is grown in Alaska, but most logs New England, and are sawn into cants for export to Pacific Rim countries. Ma- red spruce grows in New England and the Appalachian terial for U.S. consumption is produced primarily in Wash- Mountains. ington and Oregon. The wood is light in color, and there is little difference be- The heartwood of Sitka spruce is a light pinkish brown. tween heartwood and sapwood. All three species have about The sapwood is creamy white and shades gradually into the the same properties, and they are not distinguished from heartwood; the sapwood may be 7 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in.) wide each other in commerce. The wood dries easily and is stable or even wider in young trees. The wood has a comparative- ly fine, uniform texture, generally straight grain, and no

2–17 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 distinct taste or odor. It is moderately lightweight, moder- is easily worked and holds well, and the heartwood is ately low in bending and compressive strength, moderately highly resistant to decay. Because of its high durability it is stiff, moderately soft, and moderately low in resistance to used for poles, posts, cabin logs, railroad crossties, lumber, shock. It has moderately low shrinkage. On the basis of shingles, decorative fencing, boats, and water tanks. weight, Sitka spruce rates high in strength properties and White-Cedar, Northern can be obtained in long, clear, straight-grained pieces. Northern white-cedar Sitka spruce is used principally for lumber, pulpwood, and () is cooperage. Boxes and crates account for a considerable also known as eastern amount of the remanufactured lumber. Other important uses white‑cedar or arborvi- are furniture, planing-mill products, sashes, doors, blinds, tae. It grows from Maine millwork, and boats. Sitka spruce has been by far the most along the Appalachians important wood for aircraft construction. Other specialty and westward through the uses are ladder rails and sounding boards for pianos. northern part of the Great Tamarack Lake States. Production of northern white-cedar lumber is greatest in Maine and the Tamarack (Larix larici‑ Great Lake States. na), also known as eastern larch and locally The heartwood of Northern white-cedar is light brown, as hackmatack, is a and the sapwood is nearly white and is usually narrow. The small to medium tree wood is lightweight, rather soft, low in strength and shock with a straight, round, resistance, and with low shrinkage upon drying. It is easily slightly tapered . worked and the heartwood is very decay resistant. Northern It grows from Maine to white-cedar is used for poles and posts, outdoor furniture, Minnesota, with the bulk of the stand in the Great Lake shingles, cabin logs, lumber, water tanks, boats and for States. wooden ware. The heartwood of tamarack is yellowish brown to russet Yellow-Cedar brown. The sapwood is whitish, generally less than 3 cm Yellow-cedar (Chamaecy‑ (1 in.) wide. The wood is coarse in texture, without odor paris nootkatensis) grows or taste, and the transition from earlywood to latewood is in the Pacific Coast re- abrupt. The wood is intermediate in weight and in most gion of North America mechanical properties. from southeastern Alaska Tamarack is used principally for pulpwood, lumber, rail- southward through road crossties, mine timbers, fuel, fence posts, and poles. Washington to southern Lumber is used for framing material, tank construction, and Oregon. boxes, pallets, and crates. The production of tamarack lum- The heartwood of yellow-cedar is bright, clear yellow. The ber has declined in recent years. sapwood is narrow, white to yellowish, and hardly distin- White-Cedar, Atlantic guishable from the heartwood. The wood is fine textured and generally straight grained. It is moderately heavy, Atlantic white-cedar moderately strong and stiff, moderately hard, and moder- (Chamaecyparis thy‑ ately high in shock resistance. Yellow-cedar shrinks little in oides), also known as drying and is stable after drying, and the heartwood is very southern white-cedar, resistant to decay. The wood has a mild, distinctive odor. swamp-cedar and boat- cedar, grows near the At- Yellow-cedar is used for interior woodwork, furniture, lantic Coast from Maine small boats, cabinetwork, and novelties. to northern Florida and westward along the Gulf Imported Woods Coast to Louisiana. It is strictly a swamp tree. Production This section includes many of the species that at present of Atlantic white-cedar centers in North Carolina and along are considered to be commercially important, but by no the Gulf Coast. means can it be considered all-inclusive. The import timber The heartwood of Atlantic white-cedar is light brown, and market is constantly changing, with some species no longer the sapwood is white or nearly so. The sapwood is usually available but with new species entering the market. The narrow. The wood is lightweight, rather soft, and low in same species may be marketed in the United States under strength and shock resistance. It shrinks little in drying. It other common names. Because of the variation in common

2–18 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods names, many cross-references are included. Text informa- Albarco is primarily used for general construction and tion is necessarily brief, but when used in conjunction with wood, but it can also be used for furniture com- the shrinkage and strength data tables, a reasonably good ponents, shipbuilding, flooring, veneer for plywood, and picture may be obtained of a particular wood. The referenc- turnery. es at the end of this chapter contain information on many Amaranth species not described in this section. (see Purpleheart) Imported Hardwoods Anani Afara (see Manni) (see Limba) Anaura Afrormosia (see Marishballi) Afrormosia or kokrodua ( elata), a large Andiroba West African tree, is Because of the wide- sometimes used as a sub- spread distribution of stitute for ( andiroba (Carapa guia‑ grandis). nensis) in tropical Amer- ica, the wood is known The heartwood is fine under a variety of names, textured, with straight to including cedro macho, interlocked grain. The wood is brownish yellow with darker carapa, crabwood, and streaks and moderately hard and heavy, weighing about tangare. These names are 700 kg m–3 (43 lb ft–3) at 15% moisture content. The wood also applied to the related species C. nicaraguensis, whose strongly resembles teak in appearance but lacks its oily properties are generally inferior to those of C. guianensis. nature and has a different texture. The wood dries readily with little degrade and has good dimensional stability. It is The heartwood varies from medium to dark reddish brown. somewhat heavier and stronger than teak. The heartwood The texture is like that of true mahogany ( mac‑ is highly resistant to decay fungi and attack and is rophylla), and andiroba is sometimes substituted for true extremely durable under adverse conditions. mahogany. The grain is usually interlocked but is rated easy to work, paint, and glue. The wood is rated as durable to Afrormosia is often used for the same purposes as teak, very durable with respect to decay and . Andiroba is such as boat construction, joinery, flooring, furniture, heavier than true mahogany and accordingly is markedly interior woodwork, and decorative veneer. superior in all static bending properties, compression paral- Albarco lel to grain, hardness, shear, and durability. Albarco, or jequitiba as it On the basis of its properties, andiroba appears to be suited is known in Brazil, is the for such uses as flooring, frame construction in the tropics, common name applied furniture and cabinetwork, millwork, utility and decorative to species in the genus veneer, and plywood. Cariniana. The 10 spe- cies are distributed from Angelin eastern Peru and northern (see Sucupira) Bolivia through central Angelique Brazil to Venezuela and Colombia. Angelique (Dicorynia guianensis) comes from The heartwood is reddish or purplish brown and sometimes French Guiana and has dark streaks. It is usually not sharply demarcated from Suriname. the pale brown sapwood. The texture is medium and the grain straight to interlocked. Albarco can be worked sat- Because of the variability isfactorily with only slight blunting of tool cutting edges in heartwood color be- because of the presence of silica. Veneer can be cut without tween different trees, two difficulty. The wood is rather strong and moderately heavy, forms are commonly rec- weighing about 560 kg m–3 (35 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture ognized by producers. The heartwood that is russet-colored content. In general, the wood has about the same strength when freshly cut and becomes superficially dull brown with as that of U.S. oaks (Quercus spp.). The heartwood is du- a purplish cast is referred to as “gris.” The heartwood that is rable, particularly the deeply colored material. It has good resistance to dry-wood termite attack.

2–19 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 more distinctly reddish and frequently shows wide purplish Azobe (Ekki) bands is called “angelique rouge.” The texture of the wood Azobe or ekki (Lophira is somewhat coarser than that of black walnut (Juglans alata) is found in West nigra), and the grain is generally straight or slightly inter- Africa and extends into locked. In strength, angelique is superior to teak (Tectona the Congo basin. grandis) and white oak (Quercus alba), when green or air dry, in all properties except tension perpendicular to grain. The heartwood is dark Angelique is rated as highly resistant to decay and resistant red, chocolate–brown, or to marine borer attack. Machining properties vary and may purple–brown with con- be due to differences in density, moisture content, and silica spicuous white deposits content. After the wood is thoroughly air or kiln dried, it in the pores (vessels). The texture is coarse, and the grain can be worked effectively only with carbide-tipped tools. is usually interlocked. The wood is strong, and its density averages about 1,120 kg m–3 (70 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture The strength and durability of angelique make it espe- content. It is very difficult to work with hand and machine cially suitable for heavy construction, harbor installations, tools, and tools are severely blunted if the wood is ma- bridges, heavy planking for pier and platform decking, and chined when dry. Azobe can be dressed to a smooth finish, railroad bridge ties. The wood is also suitable for ship - and gluing properties are usually good. Drying is very dif- ing, planking, boat frames, industrial flooring, and parquet ficult without excessive degrade, and the heartwood is ex- blocks and strips. tremely resistant to preservative treatment. The heartwood Apa is rated as very durable against decay, resistant to teredo attack, but only moderately resistant to . Azobe is (see Wallaba) very resistant to acid and has good properties. Apamate Azobe is excellent for heavy construction work, harbor con- (see Roble) struction, heavy-duty flooring, and railroad crossties. Apitong Bagtikan (see Keruing) (see Seraya, White) Avodire Balata Avodire (Turraeanthus Balata or bulletwood africanus) has a rather ( bidentata) extensive range in Africa, is widely distributed from west- throughout the West ward to the Congo region Indies, Central America, and southward to Zaire and northern South and . It is most America. common in the eastern region of the Coast The heartwood of balata and is scattered elsewhere. Avodire is a medium-size tree of is light to dark reddish the where it forms fairly dense but localized and brown and not sharply demarcated from the pale brown discontinuous timber stands. sapwood. Texture is fine and uniform, and the grain is straight to occasionally wavy or interlocked. Balata is a The wood is cream to pale yellow with high natural lus- strong and very heavy wood; density of air-dried wood is ter; it eventually darkens to a golden yellow. The grain is 1,060 kg m–3 (66 lb ft–3). It is generally difficult to air dry, sometimes straight but more often wavy or irregularly in- with a tendency to develop severe checking and warp. The terlocked, which produces an unusual and attractive mottled wood is moderately easy to work despite its high density, figure when sliced or cut on the quarter. Although avodire and it is rated good to excellent in all machining operations. weighs less than northern red oak (), it has Balata is very resistant to attack by decay fungi and highly almost identical strength properties except that it is lower resistant to subterranean termites but only moderately resis- in shock resistance and shear. The wood works fairly eas- tant to dry-wood termites. ily with hand and machine tools and finishes well in most operations. Balata is suitable for heavy construction, and pulp- mill equipment, furniture parts, turnery, tool handles, floor- Figured material is usually converted into veneer for use in ing, boat frames and other bentwork, railroad crossties, decorative work, and it is this kind of material that is chiefly bows, billiard cues, and other specialty uses. imported into the United States. Other uses include furni- ture, fine joinery, cabinetwork, and paneling.

2–20 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods

Balau Banak, Cuangare Balau, red balau, and se- Various species of banak langan batu constitute a (Virola) occur in tropical group of species that America, from are the heaviest of the and Guatemala south- 200 species. About ward to Venezuela, the 45 species of this group Guianas, the Amazon grow from Sri Lanka and region of northern Bra- southern through zil, and southern Brazil, southeast Asia to the and on the Pacific Coast . to Peru and Bolivia. Most of the wood known as banak is V. koschnyi of Central America and V. surinamensis and The heartwood is light to deep red or purple–brown, and V. sebifera of northern . Botanically, cuan- it is fairly distinct from the lighter and yellowish- to red- gare (Dialyanthera) is closely related to banak, and the dish- or purplish-brown sapwood. The texture is moderately woods are so similar that they are generally mixed in the fine to coarse, and the grain is often interlocked. The wood trade. The main commercial supply of cuangare comes from weighs more than 750 kg m–3 (47 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture Colombia and Ecuador. Banak and cuangare are common content. Balau is a heavy, hard, and strong timber that dries in swamp and marsh forests and may occur in almost pure slowly with moderate to severe end checks and splits. The stands in some areas. heartwood is durable to moderately durable and very resis- tant to preservative treatments. The heartwood of both banak and cuangare is usually pink- ish or grayish brown and is generally not differentiated Balau is used for heavy construction, frames of boats, deck- from the sapwood. The wood is straight grained and is of ing, flooring, and utility furniture. a medium to coarse texture. The various species are nonre- Balau, Red sistant to decay and attack but can be readily treated (see Balau) with preservatives. Machining properties are very good, but when zones of tension wood are present, machining may Balsa result in surface fuzziness. The wood finishes readily and is Balsa ( pyrami‑ easily glued. Strength properties of banak and cuangare are dale) is widely distributed similar to those of yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). throughout tropical Amer- Banak is considered a general utility wood for lumber, ve- ica from southern Mexico neer, and plywood. It is also used for moulding, millwork, to southern Brazil and and furniture components. Bolivia, but Ecuador has been the principal source Benge, Ehie, Bubinga of supply since the wood Although benge (Gui‑ gained commercial im- bourtia arnoldiana), ehie portance. It is usually found at lower elevations, especially (or ovangkol) ( on bottom-land along streams and in clearings and ehie), and bubinga (Gui‑ cutover forests. Today, it is often cultivated in . bourtia spp.) belong to the Several characteristics make balsa suitable for a wide vari- same West African genus, ety of uses. It is the lightest and softest of all woods on the they differ rather marked- market. The lumber selected for use in the United States ly in color and somewhat weighs, on the average, about 180 kg m–3 (11 lb ft–3) when in texture. dry and often as little as 100 kg m–3 (6 lb ft–3). The wood The heartwood of benge is pale yellowish brown to medium is readily recognized by its light weight; nearly white or brown with gray to almost black stripes. Ehie heartwood oatmeal color, often with a yellowish or pinkish hue; and tends to be more golden brown to dark brown with gray to unique velvety feel. almost black stripes. Bubinga heartwood is pink, vivid red, Because of its light weight and exceedingly porous com- or red–brown with purple streaks, and it becomes yellow or position, balsa is highly efficient in uses where buoyancy, medium brown with a reddish tint upon exposure to air. The insulation against heat or cold, or low propagation of sound texture of ehie is moderately coarse, whereas that of benge and vibration are important. Principal uses are for - and bubinga is fine to moderately fine. All three woods are saving equipment, floats, rafts, corestock, insulation, moderately hard and heavy, but they can be worked well cushioning, sound modifiers, models, and novelties. with hand and machine tools. They are listed as moderately

2–21 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 durable and resistant to preservative treatment. Drying Ceiba may be difficult, but with care, the wood dries well. Ceiba () is These woods are used in turnery, flooring, furniture a large tree that grows to components, cabinetwork, and decorative veneers. 66 m (200 ft) in height with a straight cylindrical Brown Silverballi bole 13 to 20 m (40 to (see Kaneelhart) 60 ft) long. Trunk diam- eters of 2 m (6 ft) or more Bubinga are common. Ceiba grows (see Benge) in , from the Bulletwood and Sierra Leone to Liberia, , and the Congo region. A related species is lupuna (C. samauma) (see Balata) from South America. Carapa Sapwood and heartwood are not clearly demarcated. The (see Andiroba) wood is whitish, pale brown, or pinkish brown, often with Cativo yellowish or grayish streaks. The texture is coarse, and the grain is interlocked or occasionally irregular. Ceiba is very Cativo (Prioria co‑ soft and light; density of air-dried wood is 320 kg m–3 paifera) is one of the few (20 lb ft–3). In strength, the wood is comparable with tropical American spe- basswood (). Ceiba dries rapidly without cies that occur in abun- marked deterioration. It is difficult to cleanly and dress dance and often in nearly smoothly because of the high percentage of tension wood. It pure stands. Commercial provides good veneer and is easy to and glue. Ceiba is stands are found in Ni- very susceptible to attack by decay fungi and insects. It re- caragua, Costa Rica, quires rapid harvest and conversion to prevent deterioration. Panama, and Colombia. Treatability, however, is rated as good. Sapwood may be very pale pink or distinctly reddish, and Ceiba is available in large sizes, and its low density com- it is usually wide. In trees up to 76 cm (30 in.) in diameter, bined with a rather high degree of dimensional stability heartwood may be only 18 cm (7 in.) in diameter. The grain make it ideal for pattern and corestock. Other uses include is straight and the texture of the wood is uniform, compa- blockboard, boxes and crates, joinery, and furniture rable with that of true mahogany (). components. On flat-sawn surfaces, the figure is rather subdued as a -re sult of exposure of the narrow bands of parenchyma . Chewstick The wood can be dried rapidly and easily with very little (see Manni) degrade. Dimensional stability is very good—practically Courbaril, Jatoba equal to that of true mahogany. Cativo is classified as a non- durable wood with respect to decay and insects. It may con- The genus tain appreciable quantities of gum. In wood that has been consists of about 25 spe- properly dried, however, the aromatics in the gum cies that occur in the West are removed and there is no difficulty in finishing. Indies and from southern Mexico through Central Considerable quantities of cativo are used for interior America into the Amazon woodwork, and -stabilized veneer is an important pat- basin of South America. tern material. Cativo is widely used for furniture and cabi- The best-known and most net parts, lumber core for plywood, picture frames, edge important species is banding for doors, joinery, and millwork. H. courbaril, which occurs throughout the range of the Cedro genus. Courbaril is often called jatoba in Brazil. (see Spanish-Cedar) Sapwood of courbaril is gray–white and usually quite wide. The heartwood, which is sharply differentiated from the Cedro Macho sapwood, is salmon red to orange–brown when freshly (see Andiroba) cut and becomes russet or reddish brown when dried. The Cedro-Rana heartwood is often marked with dark streaks. The texture is medium to rather coarse, and the grain is mostly inter- (see Tornillo) locked. The wood is hard and heavy (about 800 kg m–3

2–22 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods

(50 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content). The strength proper- Degame is little used in the United States, but its character- ties of courbaril are quite high and very similar to those of istics have made it particularly adaptable for shuttles, picker shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), a species of lower specific sticks, and other items that require resilience gravity. Courbaril is rated as moderately to very resistant and strength. Degame was once prized for the manufacture to attack by decay fungi and dry-wood termites. The heart- of archery bows and fishing rods. It is also suitable for tool wood is not treatable, but the sapwood is treatable with handles and turnery. preservatives. Courbaril is moderately difficult to saw and Determa machine because of its high density, but it can be machined to a smooth surface. Turning, gluing, and finishing proper- Determa (Ocotea rubra) ties are satisfactory. Planing, however, is somewhat dif- is native to the Guianas, ficult because of the interlocked grain. Courbaril compares Trinidad, and the lower favorably with white oak (Quercus alba) in steam-bending Amazon region of Brazil. behavior. The heartwood is light Courbaril is used for tool handles and other applications reddish brown with a that require good shock resistance. It is also used for steam- golden sheen and distinct bent parts, flooring, turnery, furniture and cabinetwork, from the dull gray or pale veneer and plywood, railroad crossties, and other specialty yellowish brown sapwood. The texture is rather coarse, and items. the grain is interlocked to straight. Determa is a moderately strong and heavy wood (density of air-dried wood is Crabwood 640 to 720 kg m–3 (40 to 45 lb ft–3)); this wood is moder- (see Andiroba) ately difficult to air dry. It can be worked readily with hand and machine tools with little dulling effect. It can be glued Cristobal readily and polished fairly well. The heartwood is durable (see Macawood) to very durable in resistance to decay fungi and moderately Cuangare resistant to dry-wood termites. Weathering characteristics are excellent, and the wood is highly resistant to moisture (see Banak) absorption. Degame Uses for determa include furniture, general construction, Degame or lemon- boat planking, tanks and cooperage, heavy marine construc- wood (Calycophyllum tion, turnery, and parquet flooring. candidissimum) grows in Cuba and ranges Ehie from southern Mexico (see Benge) through Central Ekki America to Colombia and Venezuela. It (see Azobe) may grow in pure Ekop stands and is common on shaded hillsides and along Ekop or gola (Tetraber‑ waterways. linia tubmaniana) grows The heartwood of degame ranges from light brown to only in Liberia. oatmeal-colored and is sometimes grayish. The sapwood is The heartwood is light lighter in color and merges gradually with the heartwood. reddish brown and is The texture is fine and uniform. The grain is usually straight distinct from the lighter or infrequently shows shallow interlocking, which may colored sapwood, which produce a narrow and indistinct stripe on quartered faces. may be up to 5 cm (2 in.) In strength, degame is above the average for woods of wide. The wood is medium to coarse textured, and the grain similar density; density of air-dried wood is 817 kg m–3 is interlocked, with a narrow striped pattern on quartered (51 lb ft–3). Tests show degame superior to surfaces. The wood weighs about 735 kg m–3 (46 lb ft–3) at ( virginiana) in all respects but hardness. Natural 12% moisture content. It dries fairly well but with a marked durability is low when degame is used under conditions fa- tendency to end and surface checks. Ekop works well vorable to stain, decay, and insect attack. However, degame with hand and machine tools and is an excellent wood for is reported to be highly resistant to marine borers. Degame turnery. It also slices well into veneer and has good gluing is moderately difficult to machine because of its density and properties. The heartwood is only moderately durable and hardness, although it does not dull cutting tools to any ex- is moderately resistant to impregnation with preservative . Machined surfaces are very smooth. treatments.

2–23 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190

Ekop is a general utility wood that is used for veneer, resistant to decay fungi and termites. It is also very resistant plywood, and furniture components. to marine borers in temperate but much less so in warm tropical waters. Encino (see Oak) Greenheart is used principally where strength and resistance to wear are required. Uses include ship and dock building, Gola lock gates, wharves, piers, jetties, vats, piling, planking, (see Ekop) industrial flooring, bridges, and some specialty items (fish- ing rods and billiard cue butts). Gonçalo Alves Most imports of gonçalo Guatambu alves (Astronium graveo‑ (see Pau Marfim) lens and A. fraxinifolium) Guayacan have been from Brazil. These species range from (see Ipe) southern Mexico through Hura Central America into the Hura (Hura crepitans) Amazon basin. grows throughout the Freshly cut heartwood is russet brown, orange–brown, or West Indies from Central reddish brown to red with narrow to wide, irregular, me- America to northern Bra- dium to very dark brown stripes. After exposure to air, the zil and Bolivia. heartwood becomes brown, red, or dark reddish brown It is a large tree, com- with nearly black stripes. The sapwood is grayish white and monly reaching a height sharply demarcated from the heartwood. The texture is fine of 30 to 43 m (90 to to medium and uniform. The grain varies from straight to 130 ft), with clear boles of 12 to 23 m (40 to 75 ft). The interlocked and wavy. diameter often reaches 1 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft) and occasion- Gonçalo alves turns readily, finishes very smoothly, and ally to 3 m (9 ft). takes a high natural polish. The heartwood is highly resis- The pale yellowish-brown or pale olive-gray heartwood is tant to moisture absorption; pigmented areas may present indistinct from the yellowish-white sapwood. The texture some difficulties in gluing because of their high density. is fine to medium and the grain straight to interlocked. The heartwood is very durable and resistant to both white- Hura is a low-strength and low-density wood (density of and brown-rot organisms. The high density (1,010 kg m–3 air-dried wood is 240 to 448 kg m–3 (15 to 28 lb ft–3)); the (63 lb ft–3)) of the air-dried wood is accompanied by equally wood is moderately difficult to air dry. Warping is variable high strength values, which are considerably higher in most and sometimes severe. The wood usually machines easily, respects than those of any U.S. species. Despite its strength, but green material is somewhat difficult to work because of however, gonçalo alves is imported primarily for its beauty. tension wood, which results in a fuzzy surface. The wood In the United States, gonçalo alves has the greatest value finishes well and is easy to glue and nail. Hura is variable for specialty items such as archery bows, billiard cue butts, in resistance to attack by decay fungi, but it is highly sus- brushbacks, and cutlery handles, and in turnery and carving ceptible to blue stain and very susceptible to wood termites. applications. However, the wood is easy to treat with preservative. Greenheart Hura is often used in general carpentry, boxes and crates, Greenheart (Chlorocar‑ and lower grade furniture. Other important uses are veneer dium rodiei) is essentially and plywood, fiberboard, and particleboard. a Guyana tree, although Ilomba small stands also occur in Ilomba (Pycnanthus an‑ Suriname. golensis) is a tree of the The heartwood varies rainforest and ranges from from light to dark olive Guinea and Sierra Leone green or nearly black. The through tropical West texture is fine and uniform, and the grain is straight to wavy. Africa to and An- Greenheart is stronger and stiffer than white oak (Quercus gola. Common names in- alba) and generally more difficult to work with tools be- clude pycnanthus, walele, cause of its high density; density of air-dried wood is more and otie. than 960 kg m–3 (60 lb ft–3). The heartwood is rated as very

2–24 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods

The wood is grayish white to pinkish brown and, in some Ipil trees, a uniform light brown. There is generally no distinc- (see Merbau) tion between heartwood and sapwood. The texture is me- dium to coarse, and the grain is generally straight. This spe- cies is generally similar to banak (Virola) but has a coarser Iroko consists of two texture. Air-dry density is about 512 kg m–3 (31 lb ft–3), and species ( the wood is about as strong as yellow-poplar (Liriodendron and M. regia). Milicia tulipifera). Ilomba dries rapidly but is prone to collapse, excelsa grows across the warp, and splits. It is easily sawn and can be worked well entire width of tropical with hand and machine tools. It is excellent for veneer and Africa from the Ivory has good gluing and nailing characteristics. Green wood is Coast southward to An- subject to insect and fungal attack. Logs require rapid ex- gola and eastward to traction and conversion to avoid degrade. Both sapwood East Africa. M. regia, and heartwood are permeable and can be treated with however, is limited to extreme West Africa from Gambia to preservatives. ; it is less resistant to than is M. excelsa. In the United States, this species is used only in the form of The heartwood varies from a pale yellowish brown to dark plywood for general utility purposes. However, ilomba is chocolate brown with light markings occurring most con- definitely suited for furniture components, interior joinery, spicuously on flat-sawn surfaces; the sapwood is yellowish and general utility purposes. white. The texture is medium to coarse, and the grain is typically interlocked. Iroko can be worked easily with hand Ipe or machine tools but with some tearing of interlocked grain. Ipe, the common name Occasional deposits of carbonate severely - for the lapacho group age cutting edges. The wood dries rapidly with little or no of the genus , degrade. The strength is similar to that of red maple (Acer consists of about 20 spe- rubrum), and the weight is about 688 kg m–3 (43 lb ft–3) at cies of trees and occurs 12% moisture content. The heartwood is very resistant to in practically every decay fungi and resistant to termite and marine borer attack. America country except . Other commonly Because of its color and durability, iroko has been sug- used names are guayacan gested as a substitute for teak (Tectona grandis). Its durabil- and lapacho. ity makes it suitable for boat building, piles, other marine work, and railroad crossties. Other uses include joinery, Sapwood is relatively wide, yellowish gray or gray–brown, flooring, furniture, veneer, and cabinetwork. and sharply differentiated from heartwood, which is light to dark olive brown. The texture is fine to medium. The grain is straight to very irregular and often narrowly interlocked. (see , Brazilian) The wood is very heavy and averages about 1,025 kg m–3 Jarrah (64 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content. Thoroughly air-dried heartwood specimens generally in water. Because of Jarrah ( mar‑ its high density and hardness, ipe is moderately difficult to ginata) is native to the machine, but glassy smooth surfaces can be produced. Ipe coastal belt of southwest- is very strong; in the air-dried condition, it is comparable ern Australia and is one with greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei). Hardness is two of the principal species to three times that of white oak (Quercus alba) or keruing for that country’s (Dipterocarpus). The wood is highly resistant to decay and industry. insects, including both subterranean and dry-wood termites, The heartwood is a but susceptible to marine borer attack. The heartwood is uniform pink to dark red, often turning to deep brownish impermeable, but the sapwood can be readily treated with red with age and exposure to air. The sapwood is pale and preservatives. usually very narrow in old trees. The texture is even and Ipe is used almost exclusively for heavy-duty and durable moderately coarse, and the grain is frequently interlocked construction. Because of its hardness and good dimensional or wavy. The wood weighs about 865 kg m–3 (54 lb ft–3) stability, it is particularly well suited for heavy-duty floor- at 12% moisture content. The common defects of jarrah ing in trucks and boxcars. It is also used for decks, railroad include gum veins or pockets, which in extreme instances crossties, turnery, tool handles, decorative veneers, and separate the log into concentric shells. Jarrah is a heavy, some specialty items in textile mills. hard timber possessing correspondingly high strength prop- erties. It is resistant to attack by termites and rated as very

2–25 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 durable with respect to decay. The wood is difficult to work medium, and the grain is straight to slightly interlocked. with hand and machine tools because of its high density and The wood has a fragrant odor, which is lost in drying. Ka- irregular grain. neelhart is a very strong and very heavy wood (density of air-dried wood is 833 to 1,153 kg m–3 (52 to 72 lb ft–3)); Jarrah is used for decking and underframing of piers, jetties, the wood is difficult to work. It cuts smoothly and takes an and bridges, as well as piles and fenders for docks and har- excellent finish but requires care in gluing. Kaneelhart has bors. As flooring, jarrah has high resistance to wear, but it excellent resistance to both brown- and white-rot fungi and is inclined to splinter under heavy traffic. It is also used for is also rated very high in resistance to dry-wood termites. railroad crossties and other heavy construction. Uses of kaneelhart include furniture, turnery, boat building, Jatoba heavy construction, and parquet flooring. (see Courbaril) Kapur Jelutong The genus Dryobalanops Jelutong (Dyera costu‑ consists of nine species lata) is an important spe- distributed over parts of cies in where it Malaysia and . is best known for its For the export trade, the production in the manu- species are combined facture of chewing gum under the name kapur. rather than for its wood. The heartwood is reddish The wood is white or brown and clearly demarcated from the pale sapwood. The straw colored, and there is no differentiation between wood is fairly coarse textured but uniform. In general, the heartwood and sapwood. The texture is moderately fine wood resembles keruing (Dipterocarpus), but on the and even. The grain is straight, and luster is low. The wood whole, kapur is straighter grained and not quite as coarse weighs about 465 kg m–3 (28 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture con- in texture. Density of the wood averages about 720 to tent. The wood is very easy to dry with little tendency to 800 kg m–3 (45 to 50 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content. split or warp, but staining may cause trouble. It is easy to Strength properties are similar to those of keruing at com- work in all operations, finishes well, and glues satisfacto- parable specific gravity. The heartwood is rated resistant rily. The wood is rated as nondurable but readily permeable to attack by decay fungi; it is reported to be vulnerable to to preservatives. termites. Kapur is extremely resistant to preservative treat- Because of its low density and ease of working, jelutong is ment. The wood works with moderate ease in most hand well suited for and pattern making, wooden shoes, and machine operations, but blunting of cutters may be picture frames, and boards. severe because of silica content, particularly when the dry wood is machined. A good surface can be obtained from Jequitiba various machining operations, but there is a tendency to- (see Albarco) ward raised grain if dull cutters are used. Kapur takes nails and screws satisfactorily. The wood glues well with urea Kakaralli but not with phenolic . (see Manbarklak) Kapur provides good and very durable construction wood Kaneelhart and is suitable for all purposes for which keruing (Diptero‑ Kaneelhart or brown carpus) is used in the United States. In addition, kapur is silverballi are names extensively used in plywood either alone or with species of applied to the genus Shorea (lauan–meranti). Licaria. Species of this Karri genus grow mostly in Guyana, French Guiana, Karri (Eucalyptus diver‑ and Suriname and are sicolor) is a very large found in association tree limited to southwest- with greenheart (Chlo‑ ern Australia. rocardium rodiei) on hilly terrain and wallaba (Eperua) in Karri resembles jarrah forests. (E. marginata) in struc- The orange or brownish yellow heartwood darkens to yel- ture and general appear- lowish or coffee brown on exposure to air. The wood is ance. It is usually paler sometimes tinged with red or violet. The texture is fine to in color and, on average, slightly heavier (913 kg m–3 (57 lb ft–3)) at 12% moisture content. Karri is a heavy

2–26 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods hardwood with mechanical properties of a correspondingly texture of keruing is moderately coarse and the grain is high order, even somewhat higher than that of jarrah. The straight or shallowly interlocked. The wood is strong, hard, heartwood is rated as moderately durable, though less so and heavy (density of air-dried wood is 720 to 800 kg m–3 than that of jarrah. It is extremely difficult to treat with pre- (45 to 50 lb ft–3)); this wood is characterized by the pres- servatives. The wood is fairly hard to machine and difficult ence of resin ducts, which occur singly or in short arcs as to cut with hand tools. It is generally more resistant to cut- seen on end-grain surfaces. This resinous condition and the ting than is jarrah and has a slightly more dulling effect on presence of silica can present troublesome problems. Sap- tool edges. wood and heartwood are moderately resistant to preserva- tive treatments. However, the wood should be treated with Karri is inferior to jarrah for underground use and water- preservatives when it is used in contact with the ground. works. However, where flexural strength is required, such Durability varies with species, but the wood is generally as in bridges, floors, , and beams, karri is an excellent classified as moderately durable. Keruing generally takes to wood. Karri is popular in heavy construction because of its sawing and machining, particularly when green, but strength and availability in large sizes and long lengths that and cutters dull easily as a result of high silica content in are free of defects. the wood. Resin adheres to machinery and tools and may Kauta be troublesome. Also, resin may cause gluing and finishing (see Marishballi) difficulties. Kempas Keruing is used for general construction work, framework for boats, flooring, pallets, chemical processing equipment, Kempas (Koompassia veneer and plywood, railroad crossties (if treated), truck malaccensis) is distributed floors, and boardwalks. throughout the lowland forest in rather swampy areas of Malaysia and In- (see Mahogany, African) donesia. Kokrodua When exposed to air, the (see Afrormosia) freshly cut brick-red heart- wood darkens to an orange–red or red–brown with numer- Korina ous yellow–brown streaks as a result of the soft tissue (see Limba) (axial parenchyma) associated with the pores. The texture is rather coarse, and the grain is typically interlocked. Krabak Kempas is a hard, heavy wood (density of air-dried wood is (see Mersawa) 880 kg m–3 (55 lb ft–3)); the wood is difficult to work with Kwila hand and machine tools. The wood dries well, with some tendency to warp and check. The heartwood is resistant (see Merbau) to attack by decay fungi but vulnerable to termite activity. Lapacho However, it treats readily with preservative retention as (see Ipe) high as 320 kg m–3 (20 lb ft–3). Lapuna Kempas is ideal for heavy construction work, railroad crossties, and flooring. (see Ceiba) Keruing (Apitong) Lauan Keruing or apitong (Dip‑ (see Meranti Groups) terocarpus) is widely scat- Lemonwood tered throughout the Indo- (see Degame) Malaysian region. Most of the more than 70 species Lignumvitae in this genus are marketed For many years, the only under the name keruing. species of lignumvitae Other important species are used on a large scale was marketed as apitong in the Philippine Islands and yang in officinale, . which is native to the The heartwood varies from light to dark red–brown or West Indies, northern brown to dark brown, sometimes with a purple tint; the Venezuela, northern Co- heartwood is usually well defined from the gray or buff- lombia, and Panama. With colored sapwood. Similar to kapur (Dryobalanops), the

2–27 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 the near exhaustion of G. officinale, harvesters turned to tropical America from southern Mexico to the Brazilian G. sanctum, which is now the principal commercial species. Amazon region and Trinidad. G. sanctum occupies the same range as G. officinale but The bright red to reddish or purplish brown heartwood is is more extensive and includes the Pacific side of Central more or less striped. Darker specimens look waxy, and the America as well as southern Mexico. sapwood is sharply demarcated from the heartwood. The Lignumvitae is one of the heaviest and hardest woods on texture is medium to fine, and the grain is straight to curly the market. The wood is characterized by its unique green or striped. The wood is not very difficult to work, and it color and oily or waxy feel. The wood has a fine uniform finishes smoothly and takes on a high polish. Generally, texture and closely interlocked grain. Its resin content may macawood air dries slowly with a slight tendency to warp constitute up to one-fourth of the air-dried weight of the and check. Strength is quite high, and density of air-dried heartwood. wood ranges from 880 to 1,170 kg m–3 (55 to 73 lb ft–3). The heartwood is reported to be highly resistant to attack by Lignumvitae wood is used chiefly for bearing or bushing decay fungi, insects, and dry-wood termites. Although the blocks for ship propeller shafts. The great strength and sapwood absorbs preservatives well, the heartwood is resis- tenacity of lignumvitae, combined with self-lubricating tant to treatment. properties resulting from the high resin content, make it especially adaptable for underwater use. It is also used for Macawood is a fine furniture and cabinet wood. It is also such articles as , pulley sheaves, caster , sten- used in decorative veneers, musical instruments, turnery, cil and blocks, and turned products. joinery, and specialty items such as violin bows and billiard cues. Limba Limba (Terminalia su‑ Machinmango perba), also referred to as (see Manbarklak) afara, korina, or ofram, is Mahogany widely distributed from Sierra Leone to Angola and The name mahogany is presently applied to several distinct Zaire in the rainforest and kinds of commercial wood. The original mahogany wood, forest. Limba is produced by , came from the American also favored as a West Indies. This was the premier wood for fine furniture species in West Africa. cabinet work and shipbuilding in Europe as early as the 1600s. Because the good reputation associated with the The heartwood varies from gray–white to creamy or yellow name mahogany is based on this wood, American mahog- brown and may contain dark streaks that are nearly black, any is sometimes referred to as true mahogany. A related producing an attractive figure that is valued for decorative African wood, of the genus Khaya, has long been marketed veneer. The light color of the wood is considered an impor- as “African mahogany” and is used for much the same pur- tant asset for the manufacture of blond furniture. The wood poses as American mahogany because of its similar proper- is generally straight grained and of uniform but coarse ties and overall appearance. A third kind of wood called texture. The wood is easy to dry and shrinkage is reported mahogany, and the one most commonly encountered in the to be rather low. Limba is not resistant to decay, insects, market, is “Philippine mahogany.” This name is applied to or termites. It is easy to work with all types of tools and is a group of Asian woods belonging to the genus Shorea. In made into veneer without difficulty. this chapter, information on the “Philippine ” is Principal uses include plywood, furniture, interior joinery, given under lauan and meranti groups. and sliced decorative veneer. Mahogany, African Macacauba The bulk of “African (see Macawood) mahogany” shipped from west-central Africa is Macawood Khaya ivorensis, the most Macawood and trebol are widely distributed and common names applied plentiful species of the to species in the genus genus found in the coastal Platymiscium. Other belt of the so-called high common names include forest. The closely allied cristobal and macacauba. species K. anthotheca has a more restricted range and is This genus is distributed found farther inland in regions of lower rainfall but well across continental within the area now being used for the export trade.

2–28 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods

The heartwood varies from pale pink to dark reddish brown. distributed from eastern The grain is frequently interlocked, and the texture is Brazil through the Ama- medium to coarse, comparable with that of American ma- zon basin, to the Guianas, hogany (Swietenia macrophylla). The wood is easy to dry, Trinidad, and Costa Rica. but machining properties are rather variable. Nailing and The heartwood of most gluing properties are good, and an excellent finish is readily species is light, grayish, obtained. The wood is easy to slice and peel. In decay resis- reddish brown, or brown- tance, African mahogany is generally rated as moderately ish buff. The texture is durable, which is below the durability rating for American fine and uniform, and the grain is typically straight. Man- mahogany. barklak is a very hard and heavy wood (density of air-dried Principal uses for African mahogany include furniture and wood ranges from 768 to 1,185 kg m–3 (48 to 74 lb ft–3)) cabinetwork, interior woodwork, boat construction, and that is rated as fairly difficult to dry. Most species are dif- veneer. ficult to work because of the high density and high silica content. Most species are highly resistant to attack by decay Mahogany, American fungi. Also, most species have gained wide recognition for True, American, or Hon- their high degree of resistance to marine borer attack. Resis- duras mahogany (Swiete‑ tance to dry-wood termite attack is variable depending on nia macrophylla) ranges species. from southern Mexico through Central America Manbarklak is an ideal wood for marine and other heavy into South America as far construction uses. It is also used for industrial flooring, mill south as Bolivia. Planta- equipment, railroad crossties, piles, and turnery. tions have been estab- Manni lished within its natural range and elsewhere throughout Manni (Symphonia globu‑ the tropics. lifera) is native to the The heartwood varies from pale pink or salmon colored to West Indies, Mexico, and dark reddish brown. The grain is generally straighter than Central, North, and South that of African mahogany (Khaya ivorensis); however, a America. It also occurs in wide variety of grain patterns are obtained from American tropical West Africa. Other mahogany. The texture is rather fine to coarse. American names include ossol (Ga- mahogany is easily air or kiln dried without appreciable bon), anani (Brazil), waika warp or checks, and it has excellent dimensional stability. (Africa), and chewstick It is rated as durable in resistance to decay fungi and mod- (Belize), a name acquired because of its use as a primitive erately resistant to dry-wood termites. Both heartwood and and flossing tool. sapwood are resistant to treatment with preservatives. The The heartwood is yellowish, grayish, or greenish brown and wood is very easy to work with hand and machine tools, is distinct from the whitish sapwood. The texture is coarse and it slices and rotary cuts into fine veneer without dif- and the grain straight to irregular. The wood is very easy to ficulty. It also is easy to finish and takes an excellent polish. work with both hand and machine tools, but surfaces tend The air-dried strength of American mahogany is similar to to roughen in planing and shaping. Manni air-dries rapidly that of American elm (). Density of air- with only moderate warp and checking. Its strength is simi- dried wood varies from 480 to 833 kg m–3 (30 to 52 lb ft–3). lar to that of hickory (Carya), and the density of air-dried The principal uses for mahogany are fine furniture and cabi- wood is 704 kg m–3 (44 lb ft–3). The heartwood is durable nets, interior woodwork, pattern woodwork, boat construc- in ground contact but only moderately resistant to dry-wood tion, fancy veneers, musical instruments, precision instru- and subterranean termites. The wood is rated as resistant to ments, paneling, turnery, carving, and many other uses that treatment with preservatives. call for an attractive and dimensionally stable wood. Manni is a general purpose wood that is used for railroad Mahogany, Philippine ties, general construction, cooperage, furniture components, (see Meranti Groups) flooring, and utility plywood. Manbarklak Marishballi Manbarklak is a common name applied to species in the Marishballi is the common name applied to species of the genus Eschweilera. Other names include kakaralli, machin- genus Licania. Other names include kauta and anaura. Spe- , and mata-mata. About 80 species of this genus are cies of Licania are widely distributed in tropical America

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but most abundant in the Table 2–2. Woods belonging to the genus Shorea Guianas and the lower Density Amazon region of Brazil. Name Color of air-dried wood The heartwood is gener- Dark red meranti Dark brown, medium 640+ kg m–3 ally yellowish to dark (also called to deep red, sometimes (40+ lb ft–3) brown, sometimes with a tanguile and dark with a purplish tinge reddish tinge. The texture red seraya) is fine and close, and the Light red Variable—almost white 400–640 kg m–3, meranti (also to pale pink, dark red, averaging 512 kg m–3 grain is usually straight. Marishballi is strong and very –3 heavy; density of air-dried wood is 833 to 1,153 kg m–3 called red seraya) pale brown, or deep (25–40 lb ft , brown averaging 32 lb ft–3) (52 to 72 lb ft–3). The wood is rated as easy to moderately White meranti Whitish when freshly 480–870 kg m–3 difficult to air dry. Because of its high density and silica –3 content, marishballi is difficult to work. The use of hard- (also called cut, becoming light (30–54 lb ft ) melapi) yellow–brown on ened cutters is suggested to obtain smooth surfaces. Dura- exposure to air bility varies with species, but marishballi is generally con- Yellow meranti Light yellow or yellow– 480–640 kg m–3 sidered to have low to moderately low resistance to attack (also called brown, sometimes with (30–40 lb ft–3) by decay fungi. However, it is known for its high resistance yellow seraya) a greenish tinge; darkens to attack by marine borers. Permeability also varies, but the on exposure to air heartwood is generally moderately responsive to treatment. Marishballi is ideal for underwater marine construction, resinous like some keruing (Dipterocarpus) species that re- heavy construction above ground, and railroad crossties semble meranti. All the meranti groups are machined easily (treated). except white meranti, which dulls cutters as a result of high Mata-Mata silica content in the wood. The light red and white merantis (see Manbarklak) dry easily without degrade, but dark red and yellow meran- tis dry more slowly with a tendency to warp. The strength Mayflower and shrinkage properties of the meranti groups compare (see Roble) favorably with that of northern red oak (Quercus rubra). The light red, white, and yellow merantis are not durable Melapi in exposed conditions or in ground contact, whereas dark (see Meranti Groups) red meranti is moderately durable. Generally, heartwood is Meranti Groups extremely resistant to moderately resistant to preservative treatments. Meranti is a common name applied commer- Species of meranti constitute a large percentage of the total cially to four groups of hardwood plywood imported into the United States. Other species of Shorea from uses include joinery, furniture and cabinetwork, moulding southeast Asia, most com- and millwork, flooring, and general construction. Some monly Malaysia, Indone- dark red meranti is used for decking. sia, and the Philippines. Merbau There are thousands of common names for the various species of Shorea, but the Merbau (Malaysia), ipil names Philippine mahogany and lauan are often substituted (Philippines), and kwila for meranti. The four groups of meranti are separated on the (New Guinea) are names basis of heartwood color and weight (Table 2–2). About 70 applied to species of the species of Shorea belong to the light and dark red meranti genus Intsia, most com- groups, 22 species to the white meranti group, and 33 spe- monly I. bijuga. Intsia is cies to the yellow meranti group. distributed throughout the Indo–Malaysian Meranti species as a whole have a coarser texture than that region, Indonesia, of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and do not have Philippines, and many western Pacific islands, as well dark-colored deposits in pores. The grain is usually inter- as Australia. locked. All merantis have axial resin ducts aligned in long, continuous, tangential lines as seen on the end surface of Freshly cut yellowish to orange–brown heartwood turns the wood. These ducts sometimes contain white deposits brown or dark red–brown on exposure to air. The texture that are visible to the naked eye, but the wood is not is rather coarse, and the grain is straight to interlocked or

2–30 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods wavy. The strength of air-dried merbau is comparable with streaks is distinct from the yellowish to pale brown sap- that of hickory (Carya), but density is somewhat lower wood. The texture is moderately fine to rather coarse, and (800 kg m–3 (50 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content). The the grain is straight to interlocked. Mora is a strong and wood dries well with little degrade but stains black in the heavy wood (density of air-dried wood is 945 to 1,040 kg presence of and moisture. Merbau is rather difficult to m–3 (59 to 65 lb ft–3)); this wood is moderately difficult to saw because it sticks to saw teeth and dulls cutting edges. work but yields smooth surfaces in sawing, planing, turn- However, the wood dresses smoothly in most operations ing, and boring. The wood is generally rated as moderately and finishes well. Merbau has good durability and high re- difficult to dry. Mora is rated as durable to very durable in sistance to termite attack. The heartwood resists treatment, resistance to brown- and white-rot fungi. M. gonggrijpii is but the sapwood can be treated with preservatives. Merbau rated very resistant to dry-wood termites, but M. excelsa is is used in furniture, fine joinery, turnery, cabinets, flooring, considerably less resistant. The sapwood responds readily musical instruments, and specialty items. to preservative treatments, but the heartwood resists treatment. Mersawa Mersawa is one of the Mora is used for industrial flooring, railroad crossties, common names applied shipbuilding, and heavy construction. to the genus Anisoptera, Oak (Tropical) which has about 15 species The oaks (Quercus) are distributed from the Philip- abundantly represented in pine Islands and Malaysia Mexico and Central Amer- to east Pakistan. Names ica with about 150 species, applied to this wood vary which are nearly equally with the source, and three names are generally used in the divided between the red lumber trade: krabak (Thailand), mersawa (Malaysia), and and white oak groups. palosapis (Philippines). More than 100 species Mersawa wood is light in color and has a moderately coarse occur in Mexico and about 25 in Guatemala; the number texture. Freshly sawn heartwood is pale yellow or yellow- diminishes southward to Colombia, which has two species. ish brown and darkens on exposure to air. Some wood may The usual Spanish name applied to the oaks is encino or show a pinkish cast or pink streaks, but these eventually roble, and both names are used interchangeably irrespective disappear on exposure to air. The wood weighs between of species or use of the wood. 544 and 752 kg m–3 (34 and 47 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture In heartwood color, texture, and grain characteristics, tropi- content and about 945 kg m–3 (59 lb ft–3) when green. The cal oaks are similar to the diffuse porous oaks of the United sapwood is susceptible to attack by powderpost , and States, especially live oak (). In most the heartwood is not resistant to termites. The heartwood is cases, tropical oaks are heavier (density of air-dried wood rated as moderately resistant to fungal decay and should not is 704 to 993 kg m–3 (44 to 62 lb ft–3)) than the U.S. spe- be used under conditions that favor decay. The heartwood cies. Strength data are available for only four species, and does not absorb preservative solutions readily. The wood the values fall between those of white oak (Q. alba) and machines easily, but because of the presence of silica, the live oak (Q. virginiana) or are equal to those of live oak. wood severely dulls the cutting edges of ordinary tools and The heartwood is rated as very resistant to decay fungi is very hard on saws. and difficult to treat with preservatives. The major volume of mersawa is used as plywood because Utilization of the tropical oaks is very limited at present be- conversion in this form presents considerably less difficulty cause of difficulties encountered in the drying of the wood. than does the production of lumber. The major volume is used in the form of charcoal, but the Mora wood is used for flooring, railroad crossties, mine timbers, Mora (Mora excelsa and tight cooperage, boat and ship construction, and decorative M. gonggrijpii) is widely veneers. distributed in the Guianas Obeche and also occurs in the Ori- Obeche ( scleroxylon) trees of west-central Af- noco Delta of Venezuela. rica reach a height of 50 m (150 ft) or more and a diameter The yellowish red–brown, of up to 2 m (5 ft). The trunk is usually free of for reddish brown, or dark a considerable height so that clear lumber of considerable red heartwood with pale size can be obtained.

2–31 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190

The wood is creamy white The orange or golden yellow heartwood darkens on expo- to pale yellow with little sure to air and is clearly defined from the whitish or pale or no difference between yellow sapwood. The texture is rather coarse, and the grain sapwood and heartwood. is usually interlocked or irregular. The density of air-dried The wood is fairly soft, of wood (752 kg m–3 (47 lb ft–3)) is about the same as that of uniform medium to coarse true hickory (Carya), but strength properties are somewhat texture, and the grain is lower. Quartersawn stock dries rapidly with little checking usually interlocked but or warp, but flat-sawn lumber may develop considerable sometimes straight. Air- degrade. The wood works moderately well with hand and dry wood weighs about 385 kg m–3 (24 lb ft–3). Obeche machine tools. It also glues and finishes satisfactorily. The dries readily with little degrade. It is not resistant to decay, heartwood is rated as very resistant to decay and moder- and green sapwood is subject to blue stain. The wood is ately resistant to termite attacks. The sapwood is permeable easy to work and machine, veneers and glues well, and to preservatives, but the heartwood is moderately resistant takes nails and screws without splitting. to preservative treatment. The characteristics of obeche make it especially suitable for Opepe is a general construction wood that is used in dock veneer and corestock. Other uses include furniture, com- and marine work, boat building, railroad crossties, flooring, ponents, millwork, blockboard, boxes and crates, particle- and furniture. board and fiberboard, patterns, and artificial limbs. Ossol Ofram (see Manni) (see Limba) Otie Okoume (see Ilomba) The natural distribution of Ovangkol okoume (Aucoumea klai‑ neana) is rather restricted; (see Benge) the species is found only Palosapis in west-central Africa (see Mersawa) and Guinea. However, okoume is extensively Para-Angelim planted throughout its (see Sucupira) natural range. Pau Marfim The heartwood is salmon-pink in color, and the narrow The range of pau marfim sapwood is whitish or pale gray. The wood has a high luster (Balfourodendron riede‑ and uniform texture. The texture is slightly coarser than that lianum) is rather limited, of birch (Betula). The nondurable heartwood dries readily extending from the State with little degrade. Sawn lumber is somewhat difficult to of Sao Paulo, Brazil, into machine because of the silica content, but the wood glues, Paraguay and the provinces nails, and peels into veneer easily. Okoume offers unusual of Corrientes and Missio- flexibility in finishing because the color, which is of -me nes of northern Argentina. dium intensity, permits toning to either lighter or darker In Brazil, it is generally shades. known as pau marfim and in Argentina and Paraguay, as In the United States, okoume is generally used for decora- guatambu. tive plywood paneling, general utility plywood, and doors. In color and general appearance, pau marfim wood is very Other uses include furniture components, joinery, and light similar to birch (Betula) or sugar maple () construction. sapwood. Although growth rings are present, they do not Opepe show as distinctly as those in birch and maple. There is no Opepe ( dider‑ apparent difference in color between heartwood and sap- richii) is widely distrib- wood. The wood is straight grained and easy to work and uted in Africa from Sierra finish, but it is not considered resistant to decay. Average Leone to the Congo region density of air-dried wood is about 802 kg m–3 (50 lb ft–3). and eastward to Uganda. It is often found in pure stands.

2–32 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods

In its areas of growth, pau marfim is used for much the is fine and uniform, and the grain is straight to irregular. same purposes as are sugar maple and birch in the United The wood is moderately heavy; weight of air-dried wood is States. Introduced to the U.S. market in the late 1960s, pau 752 kg m–3 (47 lb ft–3). Strength properties are comparable marfim has been very well received and is especially es- with those of U.S. oak (Quercus). The wood dries with little teemed for turnery. checking or splitting. It works with moderate ease, and it glues and finishes satisfactorily. The heartwood is resistant Peroba, White to decay fungi but susceptible to dry-wood termite attack. (see Peroba de Campos) Although the sapwood takes preservative treatment moder- Peroba de Campos ately well, the heartwood resists treatment. Peroba de campos (Pa‑ Peroba is suited for general construction work and is fa- ratecoma peroba), also vored for fine furniture and cabinetwork and decorative referred to as white peroba, veneers. Other uses include flooring, interior woodwork, grows in the coastal forests sashes and doors, and turnery. of eastern Brazil, ranging Pilon from Bahia to Rio de Ja- neiro. It is the only species The two main species in the genus Paratecoma. of pilon are Hieronyma alchorneoides and H. The heartwood varies in color but is generally shades of laxiflora, also referred brown with tendencies toward olive and red. The sapwood to as suradan. These spe- is a yellowish gray and is clearly defined from the heart- cies range from southern wood. The texture is relatively fine and approximates that Mexico to southern Brazil of birch (Betula). The grain is commonly interlocked, with including the Guianas, Peru, a narrow stripe or wavy figure. The wood machines easily; and Colombia. Pilon species are also found throughout the however, particular care must be taken in planing to prevent West Indies. excessive grain tearing of quartered surfaces. There is some evidence that the fine dust from machining operations may The heartwood is a light reddish brown to chocolate brown produce allergic responses in certain individuals. Density or sometimes dark red; the sapwood is pinkish white. The of air-dried wood averages about 738 kg m–3 (46 lb ft–3). texture is moderately coarse and the grain interlocked. The Peroba de campos is heavier than teak (Tectona grandis) or wood air-dries rapidly with only a moderate amount of white oak (Quercus alba), and it is proportionately stronger warp and checking. It has good working properties in all than either of these species. The heartwood of peroba de operations except planing, which is rated poor as a result of campos is rated as very durable with respect to decay and the characteristic interlocked grain. The strength of pilon difficult to treat with preservatives. is comparable with that of true hickory (Carya), and the density of air-dried wood ranges from 736 to 849 kg m–3 In Brazil, peroba de campos is used in the manufacture of (46 to 53 lb ft–3). Pilon is rated moderately to very durable fine furniture, flooring, and decorative paneling. The prin- in ground contact and resistant to moderately resistant to cipal use in the United States is shipbuilding, where peroba subterranean and dry-wood termites. Both heartwood and de campos serves as substitute for white oak (Quercus alba) sapwood are reported to be treatable with preservatives by for all purposes except bent members. both open tank and pressure vacuum processes. Peroba Rosa Pilon is especially suited for heavy construction, railway Peroba rosa is the common crossties, marinework, and flooring. It is also used for furni- name applied to a num- ture, cabinetwork, decorative veneers, turnery, and joinery. ber of similar species in Piquia the genus Aspidosperma. These species occur in Piquia is the common name southeastern Brazil and generally applied to spe- parts of Argentina. cies in the genus Caryocar. This genus is distributed The heartwood is a dis- from Costa Rica southward tinctive rose-red to yellowish, often variegated or streaked into northern Colombia and with purple or brown, and becomes brownish yellow to from the upland forest of dark brown upon exposure to air; the heartwood is often the Amazon valley to east- not demarcated from the yellowish sapwood. The texture ern Brazil and the Guianas.

2–33 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190

The yellowish to light grayish brown heartwood is hardly all species is from Mexico through Central America and distinguishable from the sapwood. The texture is medium southward to southern Brazil. to rather coarse, and the grain is generally interlocked. The Freshly cut heartwood is brown. It turns a deep purple upon wood dries at a slow rate; warping and checking may de- exposure to air and eventually dark brown upon exposure to velop, but only to a minor extent. Piquia is reported to be light. The texture is medium to fine, and the grain is usually easy to moderately difficult to saw; cutting edges dull rap- straight. This strong and heavy wood (density of air-dried idly. The heartwood is very durable and resistant to decay wood is 800 to 1,057 kg m–3 (50 to 66 lb ft–3)) is rated as fungi and dry-wood termites but only moderately resistant easy to moderately difficult to air dry. It is moderately dif- to marine borers. ficult to work with using either hand or machine tools, and Piquia is recommended for general and marine construc- it dulls cutters rather quickly. Gummy resin exudes when tion, heavy flooring, railway crossties, boat parts, and fur- the wood is heated by dull tools. A slow feed rate and spe- niture components. It is especially suitable where hardness cially hardened cutters are suggested for optimal cutting. and high wear resistance are needed. The wood turns easily, is easy to glue, and takes finishes well. The heartwood is rated as highly resistant to attack by Primavera decay fungi and very resistant to dry-wood termites. It is The natural distribution of extremely resistant to treatment with preservatives. primavera (Tabebuia don‑ nell–smithii) is restricted The unusual and unique color of purpleheart makes this to southwestern Mexico, wood desirable for turnery, , cabinets, fine fur- the Pacific coast of Guate- niture, parquet flooring, and many specialty items, such as mala and El Salvador, and billiard cue butts and carvings. Other uses include heavy north-central . construction, shipbuilding, and chemical vats. Primavera is regarded as Pycnanthus one of the primary light-colored woods, but its use has been (see Ilomba) limited because of its rather restricted range and relative scarcity of naturally grown trees. Recent plantations have Ramin increased the availability of this species and have pro- Ramin ( banca‑ vided a more constant source of supply. The quality of the nus) is native to southeast plantation-grown wood is equal in all respects to the wood Asia from the Malaysian obtained from naturally grown trees. Peninsula to Sumatra and The heartwood is whitish to straw-yellow, and in some logs . it may be tinted with pale brown or pinkish streaks. The Both the heartwood and texture is medium to rather coarse, and the grain is straight sapwood are the color to wavy, which produces a wide variety of figure patterns. of pale straw, yellow, or The wood also has a very high luster. Shrinkage is rather whitish. The grain is straight or shallowly interlocked. low, and the wood shows a high degree of dimensional The texture is even, moderately fine, and similar to that of stability. Despite considerable grain variation, primavera American mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). The wood machines remarkably well. The density of air-dried wood is without figure or luster. Ramin is moderately hard and is 465 kg m–3 (29 lb ft–3), and the wood is comparable in heavy, weighing about 672 kg m–3 (42 lb ft–3) in the air- strength with water tupelo (). Resistance to dried condition. The wood is easy to work, finishes well, both brown- and white-rot fungi varies. Weathering charac- and glues satisfactorily. Ramin is rated as not resistant to teristics are good. decay but permeable with respect to preservative treatment. The dimensional stability, ease of working, and pleasing ap- Ramin is used for plywood, interior woodwork, furniture, pearance make primavera a suitable choice for solid furni- turnery, joinery, moulding, flooring, dowels, and handles of ture, paneling, interior woodwork, and special exterior uses. nonstriking tools (brooms), and as a general utility wood. Purpleheart Roble Purpleheart, also referred Roble, a species in the to as amaranth, is the name roble group of Tabebuia applied to species in the (generally T. rosea), ranges genus . The cen- from southern Mexico ter of distribution is in the through Central America north-central part of the to Venezuela and Ecuador. Brazilian Amazon region, The name roble comes but the combined range of

2–34 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods from the Spanish word for oak (Quercus). In addition, durability with respect to fungal and insect attack, including T. rosea is called roble because the wood superficially re- termites, although the wood is not used for purposes where sembles U.S. oak. Other names for T. rosea are mayflower durability is necessary. and apamate. Brazilian rosewood is used primarily in the form of veneer The sapwood becomes a pale brown upon exposure to air. for decorative plywood. Limited quantities are used in the The heartwood varies from golden brown to dark brown, solid form for specialty items such as cutlery handles, brush and it has no distinctive odor or taste. The texture is me- backs, billiard cue butts, and fancy turnery. dium and the grain narrowly interlocked. The wood weighs Rosewood, Indian about 642 kg m–3 (40 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content. Roble has excellent working properties in all machine op- Indian rosewood (Dalber‑ erations. It finishes attractively in natural color and takes gia latifolia) is native to finishes with good results. It weighs less than the aver- most provinces of India age of U.S. white oaks (Quercus) but is comparable with except in the northwest. respect to bending and compression parallel to grain. The The heartwood varies in heartwood of roble is generally rated as moderately to very color from golden brown durable with respect to decay; the darker and heavier wood to dark purplish brown is regarded as more decay resistant than the lighter-colored with denser blackish woods. streaks at the end of growth zones, giving rise to an attrac- Roble is used extensively for furniture, interior woodwork, tive figure on flat-sawn surfaces. The narrow sapwood doors, flooring, boat building, ax handles, and general is yellowish. The average weight is about 849 kg m–3 construction. The wood veneers well and produces attrac- (53 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content. The texture is uniform tive paneling. For some applications, roble is suggested as and moderately coarse. Indian rosewood is quite similar in a substitute for American white ash () appearance to Brazilian ( nigra) and Honduran and oak (Quercus). (Dalbergia stevensonii) rosewood. The wood is reported to kiln-dry well though slowly, and the color improves during Rosewood, Brazilian drying. Indian rosewood is a heavy wood with high strength Brazilian rosewood (Dal‑ properties; after drying, it is particularly hard for its weight. bergia nigra), also referred The wood is moderately hard to work with hand tools and to as jacaranda, occurs in offers a fair resistance in machine operations. Lumber with eastern Brazilian forests calcareous deposits tends to dull tools rapidly. The wood from the State of Bahia to turns well and has high screw-holding properties. If a very Rio de Janeiro. Because it smooth surface is required for certain purposes, pores (ves- was exploited for a long sels) may need to be filled. time, Brazilian rosewood Indian rosewood is essentially a decorative wood for high- is no longer abundant. quality furniture and cabinetwork. In the United States, it is The heartwood varies with respect to color, through shades used primarily in the form of veneer. of brown, red, and violet, and it is irregularly and conspicu- Sande ously streaked with black. It is sharply demarcated from the white sapwood. Many kinds of rosewood are distinguished Practically all commercial- locally on the basis of prevailing color. The texture is ly available sande (mostly coarse, and the grain is generally straight. The heartwood Brosimum utile) comes has an oily or waxy appearance and feel, and its odor is from Pacific Ecuador and fragrant and distinctive. The wood is hard and heavy Colombia. However, the (weight of air-dried wood is 752 to 897 kg m–3 (47 to group of species ranges 56 lb ft–3)); thoroughly air-dried wood will barely in from the Atlantic Coast in water. Strength properties of Brazilian rosewood are high Costa Rica southward to and are more than adequate for the purposes for which this Colombia and Ecuador. wood is used. For example, Brazilian rosewood is harder The sapwood and heartwood show no distinction; the wood than any U.S. native hardwood species used for furniture is uniformly yellowish white to yellowish or light brown. and veneer. The wood machines and veneers well. It can The texture is medium to moderately coarse and even, and be glued satisfactorily, provided the necessary precautions the grain can be widely and narrowly interlocked. The den- are taken to ensure good glue bonds, with respect to oily sity of air-dried wood ranges from 384 to 608 kg m–3 (24 wood. Brazilian rosewood has an excellent reputation for to 38 lb ft–3), and the strength is comparable with that of

2–35 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190

U.S. oak (Quercus). The lumber air dries rapidly with little may be up to 10 cm (4 in.) wide. The texture is rather fine. or no degrade. However, material containing tension wood The grain is interlocked and produces narrow and uniform is subject to warp, and the tension wood may cause fuzzy striping on quarter-sawn surfaces. The wood averages about grain as well as overheating of saws as a result of pinching. 674 kg m–3 (42 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content, and its me- The wood is not durable with respect to stain, decay, and chanical properties are in general higher than those of white insect attack, and care must be exercised to prevent degrade oak (Quercus alba). The wood works fairly easily with ma- from these agents. The wood stains and finishes easily and chine tools, although the interlocked grain makes it difficult presents no gluing problems. to . finishes and glues well. The heartwood is rated as moderately durable and is resistant to preservative Sande is used for plywood, particleboard, fiberboard, treatment. carpentry, light construction, furniture components, and moulding. As lumber, sapele is used for furniture and cabinetwork, joinery, and flooring. As veneer, it is used for decorative Santa Maria plywood. Santa Maria ( brasiliense) ranges from Selangan Batu the West Indies to south- (see Balau) ern Mexico and southward Sepetir through Central America into northern South The name sepetir applies America. to species in the genus Sin‑ dora and to Pseudosindora The heartwood is pinkish palustris. These species are to brick red or rich reddish brown and marked by fine and distributed throughout Ma- slightly darker striping on flat-sawn surfaces. The sapwood laysia, Indochina, and the is lighter in color and generally distinct from the heartwood. Philippines. The texture is medium and fairly uniform, and the grain is generally interlocked. The heartwood is rather similar in ap- The heartwood is brown pearance to dark red meranti (Shorea). The wood is moder- with a pink or golden tinge that darkens on exposure to air. ately easy to work, and good surfaces can be obtained when Dark brown or black streaks are sometimes present. The attention is paid to machining operations. The wood aver- sapwood is light gray, brown, or straw-colored. The texture ages about 608 kg m–3 (38 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content. is moderately fine and even, and the grain is narrowly inter- Santa Maria is in the density class of sugar maple (Acer locked. The strength of sepetir is similar to that of shellbark saccharum), and its strength properties are generally simi- hickory (C. laciniosa), and the density of the air-dried wood lar; the hardness of sugar maple is superior to that of Santa is also similar (640 to 720 kg m–3 (40 to 45 lb ft–3)). The Maria. The heartwood is generally rated as moderately du- wood dries well but rather slowly, with a tendency to end- rable to durable in contact with the ground, but it apparently split. The wood is difficult to work with hand tools and has has no resistance against termites and marine borers. a rather rapid dulling effect on cutters. Gums from the wood tend to accumulate on saw teeth, which causes additional The inherent natural durability, color, and figure on the problems. Sepetir is rated as nondurable in ground contact quarter-sawn face suggest that Santa Maria could be used under Malaysian exposure. The heartwood is extremely as veneer for plywood in boat construction. Other uses are resistant to preservative treatment; however, the sapwood is flooring, furniture, cabinetwork, millwork, and decorative only moderately resistant. plywood. Sepetir is a general carpentry wood that is also used for fur- Sapele niture and cabinetwork, joinery, flooring (especially truck Sapele ( flooring), plywood, and decorative veneers. cylindricum) is a large Af- Seraya, Red and Dark Red rican tree that occurs from Sierra Leone to Angola (see Meranti Groups) and eastward through the Seraya, White Congo to Uganda. White seraya or bagtikan, The heartwood ranges in as it is called in the Philip- color from that of Ameri- pines, is a name applied to can mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) to a dark reddish or the 14 species of Parasho‑ purplish brown. The lighter-colored and distinct sapwood rea, which grow in Sabah and the Philippines.

2–36 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods

The heartwood is light brown or straw-colored, sometimes Diplotropis purpurea from the Guianas and southern Brazil. with a pinkish tint. The texture is moderately coarse and the Angelin (Andira inermis) is a widespread species that oc- grain interlocked. White seraya is very similar in appear- curs throughout the West Indies and from southern Mexico ance and strength properties to light red meranti, and some- through Central America to northern South America and times the two are mixed in the market. White seraya dries Brazil. Para-angelim (Hymenolobium excelsum) is generally easily with little degrade, and works fairly well with hand restricted to Brazil. and machine tools. The heartwood is not durable to moder- The heartwood of sucupira is chocolate-brown, red–brown, ately durable in ground contact, and it is extremely resistant or light brown (especially in Diplotropis purpurea). Ange- to preservative treatments. lin heartwood is yellowish brown to dark reddish brown; White seraya is used for joinery, light construction, mould- para-angelim heartwood turns pale brown upon exposure ing and millwork, flooring, plywood, furniture, and cabinet to air. The sapwood is generally yellowish to whitish and work. is sharply demarcated from the heartwood. The texture of all three woods is coarse and uneven, and the grain can be Seraya, Yellow interlocked. The density of air-dried wood of these species (see Meranti Groups) ranges from 720 to 960 kg m–3 (45 to 60 lb ft–3), which Silverballi, Brown makes them generally heavier than true hickory (Carya). Their strength properties are also higher than those of true (see Kaneelhart) hickory. The heartwood is rated very durable to durable Spanish-Cedar in resistance to decay fungi but only moderately resistant Spanish-cedar or cedro to attack by dry-wood termites. Angelin is reported to be consists of a group of about difficult to treat with preservatives, but para-angelim and seven species in the genus sucupira treat adequately. Angelin can be sawn and worked that are widely dis- fairly well, except that it is difficult to plane to a smooth tributed in tropical America surface because of alternating hard (fibers) and soft (paren- from southern Mexico to chyma) tissue. Para-angelim works well in all operations. northern Argentina. Sucupira is difficult to moderately difficult to work because of its high density, irregular grain, and coarse texture. The heartwood of span- ish cedar varies from light to dark reddish brown, and the Sucupira, angelin, and para-angelim are ideal for heavy sapwood is pinkish to white. The texture is rather fine and construction, railroad crossties, and other uses that do not uniform to coarse and uneven. The grain is not interlocked. require much fabrication. Other suggested uses include The heartwood is characterized by a distinctive odor. The flooring, boat building, furniture, turnery, tool handles, wood dries easily. Although Spanish-cedar is not high and decorative veneer. in strength, most other properties are similar to those of Suradan American mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), except for (see Pilon) hardness and compression perpendicular to the grain, where mahogany is definitely superior. Spanish-cedar is consid- Tangare ered decay resistant; it works and glues well. (see Andiroba) Spanish-cedar is used locally for all purposes that require Tanguile an easily worked, light but straight grained, and durable (see Meranti Groups) wood. In the United States, the wood is favored for mill- work, cabinets, fine furniture, boat building, wrappers Teak and boxes, humidores, and decorative and utility plywood. Teak (Tectona grandis) Sucupira (Angelin, Para-Angelim) occurs in commercial quantities in India, Burma, Sucupira, angelin, and Thailand, , Cambodia, para-angelim apply to , and the East In- species in four genera dies. Numerous plantations of legumes from South have been developed within America. Sucupira applies its natural range and in trop- to Bowdichia nitida from ical areas of and Africa, and many of these northern Brazil, B. virgili‑ are now producing teakwood. The heartwood varies from oides from Venezuela, the yellow–brown to dark golden brown and eventually turns Guianas, and Brazil, and a rich brown upon exposure to air. Teakwood has a coarse,

2–37 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190 uneven texture (ring porous), is usually straight grained, Wallaba and has a distinctly oily feel. The heartwood has excellent Wallaba is a common dimensional stability and a very high degree of natural du- name applied to the species rability. Although teak is not generally used in the United in the genus Eperua. Other States where strength is of prime importance, its properties names include wapa and are generally on par with those of U.S. oaks (Quercus). apa. The center of distribu- Teak is generally worked with moderate ease with hand tion is in the Guianas, but and machine tools. However, the presence of silica often the species extends into dulls tools. Finishing and gluing are satisfactory, although Venezuela and the Amazon pretreatment may be necessary to ensure good bonding of region of northern Brazil. Wallaba generally occurs in pure finishes and glues. stands or as the dominant tree in the forest. Teak is one of the most valuable woods, but its use is lim- The heartwood ranges from light to dark red to reddish or ited by scarcity and high cost. Because teak does not cause purplish brown with characteristically dark, gummy streaks. rust or when in contact with , it is extremely The texture is rather coarse and the grain typically straight. useful in the shipbuilding industry, for tanks and vats, and Wallaba is a hard, heavy wood; density of air-dried wood for fixtures that require high acid resistance. Teak is cur- is 928 kg m–3 (58 lb ft–3). Its strength is higher than that rently used in the construction of boats, furniture, flooring, of shagbark hickory (Carya ovata). The wood dries very decorative objects, and decorative veneer. slowly with a marked tendency to check, split, and warp. Tornillo Although the wood has high density, it is easy to work with hand and machine tools. However, the high gum content Tornillo (Cedrelinga clogs sawteeth and cutters. Once the wood has been kiln cateniformis), also referred dried, gum exudates are not a serious problem in machin- to as cedro-rana, grows ing. The heartwood is reported to be very durable and in the Loreton Huanuco resistant to subterranean termites and fairly resistant to provinces of Peru and in dry-wood termites. the humid terra firma of the Brazilian Amazon re- Wallaba is well suited for heavy construction, railroad gion. Tornillo can grow up crossties, poles, industrial flooring, and tank staves. It is to 52.5 m (160 ft) tall, with trunk diameters of 1.5 to 3 m also highly favored for charcoal. (5 to 9 ft). Trees in Peru are often smaller in diameter, with Wapa merchantable heights of 15 m (45 ft) or more. (see Wallaba) The heartwood is pale brown with a golden luster and prominently marked with red vessel lines; the heartwood Yang gradually merges into the lighter-colored sapwood. The tex- (see Keruing) ture is coarse. The density of air-dried material collected in Brazil averages 640 kg m–3 (40 lb ft–3); for Peruvian stock, Imported Softwoods average density is about 480 kg m–3 (30 lb ft–3). The wood Cypress, Mexican is comparable in strength with American elm (Ulmus ameri‑ Native to Mexico and Gua- cana). Tornillo cuts easily and can be finished smoothly, but temala, Mexican cypress areas of tension wood may result in woolly surfaces. The ( lusitanica) is heartwood is fairly durable and reported to have good resis- now widely planted at high tance to weathering. elevations throughout the Tornillo is a general construction wood that can be used for tropical world. furniture components in lower-grade furniture. The heartwood is yellow- Trebol ish, pale brown, or pinkish, with occasional streaking or variegation. The texture is fine (see Macawood) and uniform, and the grain is usually straight. The wood Virola is fragrantly scented. The density of air-dried wood is (see Banak) 512 kg m–3 (32 lb ft–3), and the strength is comparable with that of yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) or Waika western hemlock (). The wood is easy to (see Manni) work with hand and machine tools, and it nails, stains, and polishes well. Mexican cypress air dries very rapidly with Walele little or no end- or surface-checking. Reports on durability (see Ilomba)

2–38 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods are conflicting. The heartwood is not treatable by the open resinous odor and a greasy feel. The weight varies tank process and seems to have an irregular response to considerably and may range from 416 to 817 kg m–3 pressure–vacuum systems. (26 to 51 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content. Caribbean pine may be appreciably heavier than slash pine (P. elliottii), but Mexican cypress is used mainly for posts and poles, furni- the mechanical properties of these two species are rather ture components, and general construction. similar. The lumber can be kiln dried satisfactorily. Carib- Parana Pine bean pine is easy to work in all machining operations, but The wood commonly its high resin content may cause resin to accumulate on the called parana pine (Ar‑ equipment. Durability and resistance to insect attack vary aucaria angustifolia) is with resin content; in general, the heartwood is rated as a softwood but not a true moderately durable. The sapwood is highly permeable and pine. It grows in south- is easily treated by open tank or pressure–vacuum systems. eastern Brazil and adjacent The heartwood is rated as moderately resistant to preserva- areas of Paraguay and tive treatment, depending on resin content. Argentina. Caribbean pine is used for the same purposes as are the Parana pine has many desirable characteristics. It is avail- southern pines (Pinus spp.). able in large-size clear boards with uniform texture. The Pine, Ocote small pinhead knots ( traces) that appear on flat-sawn Ocote pine (Pinus oocar‑ surfaces and the light or reddish-brown heartwood provide pa) is a high-elevation a desirable figure for matching in paneling and interior species that occurs from woodwork. Growth rings are fairly distinct and similar to northwestern Mexico those of eastern white pine (). The grain is not southward through Guate- interlocked, and the wood takes paint well, glues easily, and mala into Nicaragua. The is free from resin ducts, pitch pockets, and pitch streaks. largest and most extensive Density of air-dried wood averages 545 kg m–3 (34 lb ft–3). stands occur in Guatemala, The strength of parana pine compares favorably with that of Nicaragua, and Honduras. U.S. softwood species of similar density and, in some cases, approaches that of species with higher density. Parana The sapwood is a pale yellowish brown and generally up pine is especially strong in shear strength, hardness, and to 7 cm (3 in.) wide. The heartwood is a light reddish nail-holding ability, but it is notably deficient in strength brown. The grain is not interlocked. The wood has a resin- in compression across the grain. The tendency of the kiln- ous odor, and it weighs about 656 kg m–3 (41 lb ft–3) at dried wood to split and warp is caused by the presence of 12% moisture content. The strength properties of ocote pine compression wood, an abnormal type of wood with intrin- are comparable in most respects with those of longleaf pine sically large shrinkage along the grain. Boards containing (P. palustris). Decay resistance studies have shown ocote compression wood should be excluded from exacting uses. pine heartwood to be very durable with respect to white-rot fungal attack and moderately durable with respect to brown The principal uses of parana pine include framing lumber, rot. interior woodwork, sashes and door stock, furniture case goods, and veneer. Ocote pine is comparable with the southern pines (Pinus spp.) in workability and machining characteristics. It is a Pine, Caribbean general construction wood suited for the same uses as are Caribbean pine (Pinus the southern pines. caribaea) occurs along the Caribbean side of Pine, Radiata Central America from Radiata pine (Pinus ra‑ Belize to northeastern diata), also known as Nicaragua. It is also Monterey pine, is rare in native to the Bahamas its native range on the and Cuba. This low‑ coast of central California elevation tree is widely and Guadalupe Island, introduced as a plantation species throughout the world Mexico, but is planted ex- tropics. tensively in the southern hemisphere, mainly in Chile, , Australia, and The heartwood is golden- to red-brown and distinct from South Africa. Plantation-grown trees may reach a height of the sapwood, which is light yellow and roughly 2 to 5 cm 26 to 30 m (80 to 90 ft) in 20 years. (1 to 2 in.) wide. This softwood species has a strong

2–39 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190

The heartwood from plantation-grown trees is light brown to pinkish brown and is distinct from the paler cream- colored sapwood. Growth rings are primarily wide and dis- tinct. False rings may be common. The texture is moderately even and fine, and the grain is not interlocked. Plantation- grown radiata pine averages about 480 kg m–3 (30 lb ft–3) at 12% moisture content. Its strength is comparable with that of red pine (P. resinosa), although location and growth rate may cause considerable variation in strength properties. The wood air- or kiln-dries rapidly with little degrade. The wood machines easily, although the grain tends to tear around large knots. Radiata pine nails and glues easily, and it takes paint and finishes well. The sapwood is prone to attack by stain fungi and vulnerable to boring insects. However, plantation-grown stock is mostly sapwood, which treats readily with preservatives. The heartwood is rated as dura- ble above ground and is moderately resistant to preservative treatment. Radiata pine can be used for the same purposes as other pines grown in the United States. These uses include veneer, plywood, pulp, fiberboard, construction, boxes, and mill- work.

2–40 Chapter 2 Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Woods

Scientific Name Index U.S. Wood Species—Hardwoods Pursh Maple, Bigleaf (Soft Maple Group) Acer negundo L. Boxelder (Soft Maple Group) Michx. f. Maple, Black (Hard Maple Group) L. Maple, Red (Soft Maple Group) L. Maple, Silver (Soft Maple Group) Acer saccharum Marsh. Maple, Sugar (Hard Maple Group) glabra Willd. Buckeye, Ohio Aesculus octandra Marsh. Buckeye, Yellow Alnus rubra Bong. Alder, Red Betula alleghaniensis Britton Birch, Yellow L. Birch, Sweet Betula nigra L. Birch, River Marsh. Birch, Paper Marsh. Birch, Gray (Michx. f.) Nutt. Hickory, Water (Pecan Hickory Group) (Wangenh.) K. Koch Hickory, Bitternut (Pecan Hickory Group) (Mill.) Sweet Hickory, Pignut (True Hickory Group) Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch Hickory, Pecan (Pecan Hickory Group) (Michx. f.) Loud. Hickory, Shellbark (True Hickory Group) (Michx. f.) Nutt. Hickory, Nutmeg (Pecan Hickory Group) Carya ovata (Mill.) K. Koch Hickory, Shagbark (True Hickory Group) (Poir.) Nutt. Hickory, Mockernut (True Hickory Group) Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh. Chestnut, American Celtis laevigata Willd. Sugarberry (Hackberry Group) L. Hackberry Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. Beech, American Fraxinus americana L. Ash, American White (White Ash Group) Benth. Ash, Oregon (White Ash Group) Marsh. Ash, Black (Black Ash Group) Marsh. Ash, Green (White Ash Group) Fraxinus profunda (Bush) Bush Ash, Pumpkin (Black Ash Group) Michx. Ash, Blue (White Ash Group) Gleditsia triacanthos L. Honeylocust L. Butternut L. Walnut, Black L. Sweetgum Liriodendron tulipifera L. Yellow-Poplar Lithocarpus densiflorus (Hook. & Arn.) Rehd. Tanoak L. Cucumbertree (Magnolia Group) L. Magnolia, Southern Magnolia virginiana L. Sweetbay (Magnolia Group) Nyssa aquatica L. Tupelo, Water Nyssa ogeche Bartr. ex Marsh. Tupelo, Ogeechee Marsh. Tupelo, Black Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg. Tupelo, Swamp Platanus occidentalis L. Sycamore, American L. Balsam poplar (Cottonwood Group) Bartr. ex Marsh. Cottonwood, Eastern Michx. Aspen, Bigtooth Populus heterophylla L. Cottonwood, Swamp Michx. Aspen, Quaking Torr. & Gray Cottonwood, Black

2–41 General Technical Report FPL–GTR–190

Prunus serotina Ehrh. Cherry, Black Quercus alba L. Oak, White (White Oak Group) Willd. Oak, Swamp White (White Oak Group) Muenchh. Oak, Scarlet (Red Oak Group) Michx. Oak, Southern Red (Red Oak Group) Quercus falcata var. pagodaefolia Ell. Oak, Cherrybark (Red Oak Group) Dougl. Oak, Oregon White (White Oak Group) Newb. Oak, California Black (Red Oak Group) Quercus laurifolia Michx. Oak, Laurel (Red Oak Group) Walt. Oak, Overcup (White Oak Group) Michx. Oak, Bur (White Oak Group) Nutt. Oak, Swamp Chestnut (White Oak Group) Engelm. Oak, Chinkapin (White Oak Group) L. Oak, Water (Red Oak Group) Quercus nuttallii Palmer Oak, Nuttall (Red Oak Group) Muenchh. Oak, Pin (Red Oak Group) L. Oak, Willow (Red Oak Group) Quercus prinus L. Oak, Chestnut (White Oak Group) Quercus rubra L. Oak, Northern Red (Red Oak Group) Quercus shumardii Buckl. Oak, Shumard (Red Oak Group) Wangenh. Oak, Post (White Oak Group) Lam. Oak, Black (Red Oak Group) Quercus virginiana Mill. Oak, Live (Tropical Oak Group) L. Locust, Black Marsh. Willow, Black (Nutt.) Nees Sassafras Tilia americana L. Basswood, American Tilia heterophylla Vent. Basswood, White Ulmus alata Michx. Elm, Winged Ulmus americana L. Elm, American Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. Elm, Cedar Muhl. Elm, Slippery Ulmus serotina Sarg. Elm, September Sarg. Elm, Rock

U.S. Wood Species—Softwoods Dougl. ex Forbes Fir, Pacific Silver (Fir, True; Western Species) (L.) Mill. Fir, Balsam (Fir, True; Eastern Species) (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. ex Hildebr. Fir, White (Fir, True; Western Species) Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir. Fir, Fraser (Fir, True; Eastern Species) (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl. Fir, Grand (Fir, True; Western Species) (Hook.) Nutt. Fir, Subalpine (Fir, True; Western Species) A. Murr. Fir, California Red (Fir, True; Western Species) Rehd. Fir, Noble (Fir, True; Western Species) decurrens (Torrey) Florin Incense-Cedar (A. Murr.) Parl. Port-Orford-Cedar Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D. Don) Spach Yellow-Cedar (L.) B.S.P. White-Cedar, Atlantic Juniperus silicicola (Small) Bailey Redcedar, Southern (Redcedar, Eastern Group) L. Redcedar, Eastern (Du Roi) K. Koch Tamarack Larix occidentalis Nutt. Larch, Western Parry ex Engelm. Spruce, Engelmann (Moench) Voss Spruce, White (Spruce, Eastern Group) (Mill.) B.S.P. Spruce, Black (Spruce, Eastern Group)

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Picea rubens Sarg. Spruce, Red (Spruce, Eastern Group) (Bong.) Carr. Spruce, Sitka Pinus banksiana Lamb. Pine, Jack Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. Pine, Lodgepole Mill. Pine, Shortleaf (Pine, Southern Group) Engelm. Pine, Slash (Pine, Southern Group) Walt. Pine, Spruce Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf. Pine, Jeffrey (see Pine, Ponderosa) Dougl. Pine, Sugar Pinus monticola Dougl. ex D. Don Pine, Western White Pinus palustris Mill. Pine, Longleaf (Pine, Southern Group) Dougl. ex Laws. Pine, Ponderosa Ait. Pine, Red Mill. Pine, Pitch Michx. Pine, Pond Pinus strobus L. Pine, Eastern White Pinus taeda L. Pine, Loblolly (Pine, Southern Group) Mill. Pine, Virginia Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco Douglas-Fir (D. Don) Endl. Redwood giganteum (Lindl.) Buchholz Sequoia, Giant (L.) Rich. Baldcypress Thuja occidentalis L. White-Cedar, Northern Donn ex D. Don Redcedar, Western (L.) Carr. Hemlock, Eastern Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. Hemlock, Western (Bong.) Carr. Hemlock, Mountain

Imported Woods—Hardwoods Andira inermis (W. Wright) H.B.K. Angelin (see Sucupira) Anisoptera spp. Mersawa Aspidosperma spp. Peroba Rosa Astronium spp. Gonçalo Alves Pierre Okoume Balfourodendron riedelianum (Engl.) Engl. Pau Marfim Bowdichia spp. Sucupira Brosimum utile (H.B.K.) Pittier Sande Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. Santa Maria Calycophyllum candidissimum (Vahl) DC. Degame Carapa spp. Andiroba Cariniana spp. Albarco Caryocar spp. Piquia Cedrela spp. Spanish‑Cedar Cedrelinga cateniformis (Ducke) Ducke Tornillo Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. Ceiba Ceiba samauma K. Schum. Lupuna (see Ceiba) Chlorocardium rodiei (Schomb.) Rohwer, Richter & van der Greenheart Werff Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. ex DC. Rosewood, Indian Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Allem. ex Benth. Rosewood, Brazilian Dalbergia stevensonii Standl. Rosewood, Honduran Dialyanthera spp. Cuangare (see Banak) Dicorynia guianensis Amsch. Angelique Diplotropis purpurea (Rich.) Amshoff Sucupira Dipterocarpus spp. Keruing

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Dryobalanops spp. Kapur (Miq.) Hook. f. Jelutong Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague Sapele Eperua spp. Wallaba Eschweilera spp. Manbarklak Eucalyptus diversicolor F. Muell. Karri Donn ex Smith Jarrah (Miq.) Baill. Ramin Guaiacum spp. Lignumvitae Guibourtia spp. Benge, Ehie, Bubinga Hieronyma spp. Pilon Hura crepitans L. Hura Hymenaea spp. Courbaril, Jatoba Hymenolobium excelsum Ducke Para‑Angelim (see Sucupira) Intsia spp. Merbau Khaya spp. Mahogany, African Koompassia malaccensis Maing. ex Benth. Kempas Licania spp. Marishballi Licaria spp. Kaneelhart Lophira alata Banks ex Gaertn. f. Azobe (A. DC.) A. Chev. Balata Milicia spp. Iroko Mora spp. Mora Nauclea diderichii (De Wild.) Merrill Opepe Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urban Balsa Ocotea rubra Mez Determa Parashorea spp. Seraya, White Paratecoma peroba (Record & Mell) Kuhlm. Peroba de Campos Peltogyne spp. Purpleheart (Harms) v. Meeuwen Afrormosia Platymiscium spp. Macawood Prioria copaifera Griseb. Cativo Pseudosindora palustris Sym. Sepetir (Welw.) Warb. Ilomba Quercus spp. Oak (Tropical) Shorea spp. Balau Shorea spp. Meranti Sindora spp. Sepetir Swietenia macrophylla King Mahogany, American Symphonia globulifera L. f. Manni Tabebuia donnell‑smithii Rose Primavera Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) DC. Roble Tabebuia spp. Ipe Tectona grandis L. f. Teak Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels Limba Tetraberlinia tubmaniana J. Leonard Ekop K. Schum. Obeche Turraeanthus africanus (Welw. ex DC.) Pellegr. Avodire Virola spp. Banak

Imported Woods—Softwoods Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze Parana Pine Mill. Cypress, Mexican Pinus caribaea Morelet Pine, Caribbean Pinus oocarpa Schiede Pine, Ocote Pinus radiata D. Don Pine, Radiata

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Literature Cited Kukachka, B.F. 1970. Properties of imported tropical woods. Res. Pap. FPL 125. Madison, WI: U.S. Department Haynes, R.W. tech. coord. 2003. An analysis of the timber of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. situation in the United States: 1952 to 2050. Gen. Tech. Rep. 67 p. PNW–GTR–560. Portland, OR. U.S. Department of Agri- culture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. Markwardt, L.J. 1930. Comparative strength properties of 253 p. woods grown in the United States. Technical Bulletin 158. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Ser- Haynes, R.W.; Adams, D.M.; Alig, R.J.; Ince, P.J.; Mills, vice, Forest Products Laboratory. 39 p. J.R.; Zhou, X. 2007. The 2005 RPA timber assessment update. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW–GTR–699. Portland, OR: Markwardt, L.J.; Wilson, T.R.C. 1935. Strength and related U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific properties of woods grown in the United States. Tech. Bull. Northwest Research Station. 212 p. 479. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture. 99 p. Howard, J.L. 2007. U.S. timber production, trade, consump- Panshin, A.J.; deZeeuw, C. 1980. Textbook of wood tech- tion, and price statistics, 1965–2005. Res. Pap. FPL–RP– nology. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill. 722 p. 637. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Record, S.J.; Hess, R.W. 1949. Timbers of the new world. Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 91 p. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. 640 p. Additional References Ulrich, A.H. 1981. U.S. timber production, trade, consump- tion, and price statistics, 1950–1980. Misc. Pub. 1408. Alden, H.A. 1995. Hardwoods of North America. Gen. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture. Tech. Rep. FPL–GTR–83. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 136 p. Alden, H.A. 1997. Softwoods of North America. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL–GTR–102. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Ag- riculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 151 p. Berni, C.A.; Bolza, E.; Christensen, F.J. 1979. South American timbers—characteristics, properties, and uses of 190 species. Melbourne, Australia: Commonwealth Sci- entific and Industrial Research Organization, Division of Building Research. 229 p. Bolza, E.; Keating, W.G. 1972. African timbers—the prop- erties, uses, and characteristics of 700 species. Melbourne, Australia: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Division of Building Research. Chudnoff, M. 1984. Tropical timbers of the world. Agric. Handb. 607. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 464 p. Farmer, R.H. 1972. Handbook of hardwoods. 2nd ed. Build- ing Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Labora- tory; London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. 243 p. Hardwood Market Report [Current edition]. Memphis, TN: Lumber News Letter. Henderson, F.Y. 1977. A handbook of softwoods. Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory; London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. 63 p. Keating, W.G.; Bolza, E. 1982. Characteristics, properties, and uses of timbers: Vol. 1. Southeast Asia, Northern Aus- tralia, and the Pacific. Melbourne, Australia: Inkata Press. 362 p.

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