Madrone

Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

Common Name(s): Madrone, Pacific Madrone

Scientific Name: Arbutus menziesii

Distribution: Western coast of North America

Tree Size: 80 ft (24 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 50 lbs/ft³ (795 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .58

Hardness: 1,460 lb_f (6,490 N)

Rupture Strength: 10,400 lb_f/in² (71,720 kPa)

Elastic Strength: 1,230,000 lb_f/in² (8,480 MPa)

Crushing Strength: 6,880 lb_f/in² (47.4 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 5.6%, Tangential: 12.4%, Volumetric: 18.1%, T/R Ratio: 2.2

Color/Appearance: Color tends to be a cream or pinkish brown color, but can also have dark red patches. Madrone is known for its burl veneer, which has many closely-packed clusters of knots and swirled grain.

Grain/Pore: Grain tends to be straight, with a very fine and even texture and closed pores.

Durability: Madrone is rated as non-durable to perishable with regard to decay resistance.

Workability: Madrone is easy to work with machine and hand tools, and compares similarly to Hard Maple in working characteristics. The wood can be difficult to dry, and has a tendency to warp or twist. Madrone is an excellent turning wood, and also takes stains and finishes well.

Scent: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.

Safety: There have been no adverse health effects associated with Madrone. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price/Availability: Madrone is most often sold as burl veneer, which tends to be quite expensive. Madrone lumber, if available, is also expensive for a domestic wood species, easily costing more than other premium domestic hardwoods such as Cherry or Walnut: its price is likely to compare similarly to Myrtle, another Pacific-coast hardwood.

Comments: Madrone burl is highly prized as a decorative veneer, while Madrone lumber is a very dense and finely-grained hardwood that’s similar in appearance to fruitwoods, and is sometimes used for turnery. The wood burns long and hot, and as a result it is also used for firewood and charcoal.