Ambrosia Maple (Red Maple/Soft Maple)
Acer rubrum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a diffuse-porous texture. Features characteristic 'ambrosia' streaks caused by fungi associated with ambrosia beetles, creating oblong, dark-colored figure around entry holes.
Color Description
Sapwood is creamy white to off-white, while heartwood is light reddish-brown. The ambrosia streaks appear as grayish-blue to dark brown/black streaks that follow the grain. Dries to a yellowish-gold patina over time.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack once the initial beetle infestation has ceased and the wood is dried.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, turned objects, bowls, cutting boards, flooring, and decorative interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.50 to $7.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the ambrosia figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh milled stock, likely aged 1-3 years since initial harvest based on the brightness of the sapwood and lack of surface graying.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List. Widely available and often considered a 'character' grade of standard soft maple.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. Responds well to gluing and finishing, though the presence of large bore holes (as seen in the sample) can cause snagging during planing or sanding.
Notable Features
The distinctive dark streaks are caused by the Fusarium solani fungus. The 'eyes' or holes in the center of the streaks are the actual entry paths of the beetles. It has no distinct odor.
Finish Recommendations
Clear film finishes like polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to highlight the contrast in the figure. Penetrating oils also work well, though they may slightly amber the white sapwood.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very light sapwood with elongated dark fungal staining emanating from central bore holes is the definitive diagnostic feature of Ambrosia Maple.