Description
A commonly found deciduous tree of the genus Acer native to North America. The sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is the most commercially important tree. While known for its sap, the hard, durable sugar maple wood is used for dance floors, bowling alleys, furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments and veneer. Wood from softer maples, such as the red maple (Acer rubrum), is used for engraving blocks and carving. The bark and leaves of the red maple can also be used to make lightfast brown or black dyes. In general, maple wood has a fine texture with a straight grain. The medium weight wood is sufficiently durable for all purposes. Bird's eye maple and other figuring patterns are popular for decorative work.
Synonyms and Related Terms
harewood; silkwood; sugar maple (Acer saccharum); red maple (Acer rubrum); Løn-slægten (Dan.); Ahorn (Deut.); acero (It.); arce (Esp.); bordo (Port.); érable (Fr.); esdoorn (Ned.); Klon (Pol.); Lönnar (Sven.)
Other Properties
Light reddish brown wood. Small pores. Distinct rings. Rays show as fine dashes in quarter sawed wood.
Additional Information
Schoch, W., Heller, I., Schweingruber, F.H., Kienast, F., 2004:
Wood anatomy of central European Species: Norway Maple,
Acer platanoides L.
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Last updated on: 12/4/2008 1:36:30 PM
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