North America

Tree Data
Trunk diameter is usually about 30 inches (80 cm), and the tree may reach heights of 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 m).

The bole is reported to be rather short and is often divided into several irregular limbs, which give the tree a rounded shapely crown. The tree can be cultivated easily and is reported to grow rapidly, although it is not a preferred ornamental tree since it has a short life span, and is highly susceptible to desctruction by wind and sleet.

Heartwood Color
The wood is described as yellowish-brown in color and merges rather slowly into the greenish-yellow sapwood. Streaks of coral red from a soluble pigment produced by a fungus are reported to be occasionally present in the wood.

Grain
The soft, porous wood is described as straight-grained and closed. On rare occasions, some wood samples are reported to exhibit a wavy or curly figure.

Odor
There is no distinctive odor or taste.

Movement in Service
Seasoned timber is reported to be dimensionally stable, and retains its shape well after manufacture.

Natural Durability
The heartwood is reported to have very little natural resistance to decay, and is susceptible to insect attack. The standing tree is reported to be prone to heart rot, and is usually attacked by an insect called the boxelder bug. Resistance to Impregnation The heartwood is moderately resistant to impregnation. The sapwood is treatable.

Strength Properties
Box elder is the lightest of the American maples, and is relatively low in strength properties. It has moderate weight and average density. It is described as a hardy and fast-growing tree and is sometimes planted for shades and shelterbelts.

• Vorige
• Volgende