Names and distribution: The so-called Port Orford Cedar is native to the north-western USA. Botanically, it is not a cedar, but a false cypress of the genus Chamaecyparis, named after the Scottish botanist Peter Lawson. The full name of the species is Chamaecyparis lawsoniana. The tree is cultivated sporadically in Europe. In its native country, the wood is valued for its good technological properties. It is exported to Japan.
Wood appearance: Heartwood light yellow-brown, sapwood yellowish white. Latewood narrow, dark and sharply defined from the earlywood. There are no resin canals, fine and numerous medullary rays, which give the wood an attractive sheen. Wood is straight grained and homogeneous in structure. Plain to decorative.
Properties: The specific weight at a wood moisture content of 12% is given as 0.47 t/m³ (in comparison Yew: 0.59 t/m³, Thuja: 0.34 t/m³, Sequoia: 0.37 t/m³). The swelling and shrinkage values are given as radial 4.6% and tangential 6.9%. Drying is unproblematic. Can be worked well in all directions, especially good for turning and carving. Smooth and shiny surfaces are produced. Good bending stiffness, compact, good natural durability. Aromatic, distinctive lemon- and ginger-like odor (characteristic).
Uses: Special wood for sculptors, arrows, boat and interior construction, terrace decks, guitar tops, aromatic wood (essential oils), barbecue boards.
| Sources: |
GOTTWALD (1970): Wood identification of the most important commercial woods WAGENFÜHR (1996): Wood atlas US Dept. of Agriculture (1972): American Woods, Washington, USA |
