North American Hardwood Trees
Once an important hardwood timber tree the american chestnut suffered a catastrophic population collapse due to the chestnut blight a disease caused by an asian bark fungus cryphonectria parasitica formerly endothia parasitica this disease was accidentally introduced into north america on imported asiatic chestnut trees.
North american hardwood trees. You can easily identify a hardwood from a conifer. They are common sights all across north america. The guide to american hardwood species. The preferred method of harvesting is single tree selection.
What exactly is a hardwood tree. Most but not all hardwoods are deciduous perennial plants which are normally leafless for some time during the year. Hardwood trees usually have broad flat leaves as opposed to coniferous needled or scaled tree foliage another name for a hardwood tree is appropriately broadleaf. As a resource american hardwoods are abundant renewing and sustainable and an excellent choice for eco effective design and building.
Most common hardwoods unlike the conifers or softwood firs spruce and pines hardwood trees have evolved into a broad array of common species. Hardwood forests naturally regenerate themselves and do not require planting. The wood from hardwood trees tends to be harder because the trees grow at a slower rate giving the wood its greater density. Hardwoods most often are deciduous trees usually showcasing broad flat leaves and dense inner wood.
This guide features 20 of the most abundant and most often used hardwood species.