California-Laurel


Name California-Laurel (Umbellularia californica)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as Oregon myrtle, myrtle, bay laurel, pepperwood, and spice tree.
Sources Grows in Oregon and California, United States.
Appearance Straight to wavy grain with a medium texture. Yellowish brown or olive heartwood with pale brown sapwood. Noted for its exquisite figure and color.
Physical Props Hard, moderately heavy, high shock resistance, and low bending strength and stiffness. Very durable heartwood.
Working Props Easily worked by machine or hand tools. Excellent turning properties. Polishes to a beautiful sheen.
Uses Considered one of the best woods for novelties due to its natural beauty. Burls often sliced into cabinet-grade veneer.
Comments One of the most expensive woods in the United States.