AMERICAN BASSWOOD also American Linden, tilia americana
Distribution
The natural range of American basswood is from southwestern New Brunswick to central Quebec, Ontario and southeast Manitoba, south to eastern North Dakota and northeastern Oklahoma to northern Arkansas and Tennessee, east to North Carolina, and north to Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The Tree
American basswood grows to co-dominance in association with sugar maple and red oak/white ash forests, while it is a minor component in other forest types. It can grow to an elevation of 5,000 ft (1524 m) in the Appalachians. The tree can reach a height of 120 ft (37 m), with a diameter of almost 5 ft (1.5 m).
Basswood may grow to be more than 140 years old. The trees have straight trunks, with most of the bole limb-free, and narrow, short crowns. The trees grow as a cluster of stems, developed from stump sprouts. The bark is initially dark green and shiny, developing to a grayish color with deep furrows.
The Wood
General
The sapwood of basswood is white to cream, while the heartwood is pale to reddish brown, with darker streaks. When dry, the wood has no characteristic odor or taste. The wood is soft and light, with a fine, even texture.
Working Properties
American basswood works easily with tools, making it a premier carving wood. It is poor in holding nails and in bending, but moderate in gluing and good for holding paint or printing inks.
Durability
Rated as slightly or nonresistant to heartwood decay.
Uses
Lumber, veneer, plywood, carvings, pulp, decoys, fiber products, furniture stock, caskets, mobile homes, shade rollers, signs, toys, sporting goods, woodenware, and novelties.
The natural range of American basswood is from southwestern New Brunswick to central Quebec, Ontario and southeast Manitoba, south to eastern North Dakota and northeastern Oklahoma to northern Arkansas and Tennessee, east to North Carolina, and north to Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The Tree
American basswood grows to co-dominance in association with sugar maple and red oak/white ash forests, while it is a minor component in other forest types. It can grow to an elevation of 5,000 ft (1524 m) in the Appalachians. The tree can reach a height of 120 ft (37 m), with a diameter of almost 5 ft (1.5 m).
Basswood may grow to be more than 140 years old. The trees have straight trunks, with most of the bole limb-free, and narrow, short crowns. The trees grow as a cluster of stems, developed from stump sprouts. The bark is initially dark green and shiny, developing to a grayish color with deep furrows.
The Wood
General
The sapwood of basswood is white to cream, while the heartwood is pale to reddish brown, with darker streaks. When dry, the wood has no characteristic odor or taste. The wood is soft and light, with a fine, even texture.
Working Properties
American basswood works easily with tools, making it a premier carving wood. It is poor in holding nails and in bending, but moderate in gluing and good for holding paint or printing inks.
Durability
Rated as slightly or nonresistant to heartwood decay.
Uses
Lumber, veneer, plywood, carvings, pulp, decoys, fiber products, furniture stock, caskets, mobile homes, shade rollers, signs, toys, sporting goods, woodenware, and novelties.