![]() However, woodworkers and craftspeople like the color combinations it provides.Īnother member of the maple family that exhibits this ambrosia behavior is boxelder ( Acer negundo). The presence of the insect bore holes and the discoloration typically remove ambrosia maple from use for things like flooring, furniture, and cabinets. From a mechanical standpoint, ambrosia maple and non-ambrosia maple are similar. This discoloration does not reduce physical wood properties, nor does it fade over time. These compounds are sterilants, which prevent further injury resulting from decay. The colors are made by different phenolic compounds produced in the area of the wound to prevent fungal and bacterial infection. Ambrosia stains in maple are not associated with decay. Rather, it is the tree’s defense mechanism against injury. Unlike the blue and black stain found in southern and western conifer species, ambrosia coloration in maple is not caused by a fungus. The ambrosia coloration can also be present in maples that have been tapped for maple syrup production, with the ambrosia discoloration appearing around and below the tap holes. It is also called wormy maple or ghost maple. This discolored wood is called ambrosia due to the beetles that burrow into the tree. Ambrosia colors are usually a combination of greens and browns. Among the most important insects attacking maple are ambrosia beetles.Īmbrosia does not refer to any given species of maple, rather it’s a discoloration that affects the wood of many Ohio maple species, primarily red maple ( Acer rubrum). However, any number of insects and diseases affect the trees. Silver, red, and sugar maple can grow to become large shade trees. Brilliant red, orange, and yellow colors exhibited by maples in the fall, combined with fast growth rates, make them favored species in urban landscapes. Maple species found in Ohio include red ( A. ![]() Maple (genus Acer) are among the most common tree species in Ohio forests and cities. This fact sheet describes what ambrosia coloration is, the species in which it occurs, and ways in which landowners and homeowners can capitalize on it. These injuries often result in the tree’s wood becoming an ambrosia color, resulting in a wood that is called “ambrosia maple.” The ambrosia colors are not signs of fungal infection or decay (as is the case with many softwoods) but are the tree’s defense mechanism to prevent further damage from decay following the wounding. Maple trees, however, can be attacked by beetles, tapped for maple syrup, or otherwise injured. In forests, they provide important products such as lumber and syrup, along with wildlife habitat, water quality, and aesthetics. Their vibrant fall colors and fast growth rates make them popular in urban areas. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Maple trees are naturally found across Ohio. This email address is being protected from spambots. If you are interested in learning more please contact us today. We offer it as 2 Common & Better with nothing pulled out, a typical industry standard. When grading wormy soft maple, the streaks and pin holes that appear are not considered defects, hence its name s oft maple worm holes no defects (WHND).īaillie Lumber sorts out our wormy soft maple and offers it as a separate lumber product. The oblong shaped color patterns that appear like worm holes are still structurally sound. Wormy soft maple lumber is not considered lumber with defects. Hence, you might also find people in the industry referred to wormy soft maple as ambrosia maple. Ambrosia beetles infest soft maple trees leaving a larvae behind that bore a shallow channel and deposit a fungus which causes the discoloration. ![]() The worm like variations are now regularly considered a decorative feature, much like a rustic or character grade, and is growing in popularity, demand and cost.Įven though we call it wormy, the darker streaks are not caused by a worm at all. In recent years however, wormy soft maple has become more of a requested item. That’s why it was a popular species for many furniture manufacturers who used it as a sturdy foundation under upholstery. In the past, wormy soft maple would have been downgraded and sold at a lower rate than upper grade soft maple lumber. People in the industry also refer to it as red maple. ![]() This discoloration occurs in the species of maple that have the scientific name of Acer Rubrum. Wormy soft maple is the term used for lumber with dark streaks of discoloration throughout the board. ![]()
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