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Common Name(s): Birdseye maple, bird’s eye maple Botanical Designation: Not a distinct species of maple; considered a growth/grain anomaly. Although rare exceptions exist, birdseye maple is almost exclusively harvested from hard maple (Acer saccharum). Distribution: Northeastern North America Average Dried Weight: 44.0 lbs/ft3 (705 kg/m3) Janka Hardness: 1,450 lbf (6,450 N) Comments: Called birdseye maple (sometimes written out as bird’s eye) because the tiny knots in the grain resemble small bird’s eyes. The figure is reportedly caused by unfavorable growing conditions for the tree. The tree attempts to start numerous new buds to get more sunlight, but with poor growing conditions the new shoots are aborted, and afterward a number of tiny knots remain. Birdseye maple is frequently sold in veneer form, but solid lumber is available as well. Being tiny knots, the birdseye figure is most noticeable and pronounced on flatsawnpieces of lumber. For more information on strength and working characteristics, see the full article on hard maple (Acer saccharum). |