| THE TREE |
| Natural Range | Eastern half of the U.S., from the Atlantic Ocean to the Plains and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Grows best in the fertile soil of the northern and central Appalachian mountains. |
| Stature | Grows to 100 feet in height and to diameters of 4-5 feet. Outside of the Appalachians, tends to be scrubby and dwarf. |
| THE WOOD |
| Appearance | Heartwood is a deep reddish brown that develops a patina with age. Gum pockets (intermittent dark streaks) often appears in the heartwood. Sapwood is off-white to a light yellow. Texture is fine and uniform. |
| Weight | 35 lbs/ft3 @ 12% moisture content |
| Hardness | 950 lbf (kiln-dried) |
| Workability | Takes a finish easily and is dimensionally stable. Most machining processes, including turning, gluing, nailing, and sawing, are very favorable. |
| Durability | Wood is moderately hard and somewhat susceptible to dinging and marring. Very resistant to decay. |
