Eucalyptus (most likely Blue Gum or River Red Gum)
Eucalyptus globulus / Eucalyptus camaldulensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and stringy with visible radial checking and prominent growth rings
Color Description
Silvery-grey weathered exterior; heartwood typically reddish-brown to pink; sapwood pale yellow; lacks luster due to extreme weathering and oxidation
Hardness Rating
2,100–2,400 lbf (Very Hard to Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; high natural resistance to rot and termites, though susceptible to severe checking and splitting in arid conditions
Common Uses
Heavy construction, railroad ties, utility poles, firewood, and rustic outdoor furniture
Geographic Origin
Native to Australia; widely naturalized in California and the Mediterranean
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Low commercial value as lumber due to high rate of warping/checking; $1.00 - $3.00 per board foot as firewood or fencing material
Wood Age Estimate
The tree was likely 15-25 years old based on ring count; the sample appears to have been dead/exposed for 2-5 years
Sustainability Status
Abundant; invasive in some regions (California); IUCN Least Concern; largely outside of CITES regulations
Workability
Difficult; very hard and dense, tends to dull blades quickly, prone to significant tearout due to interlocked grain; poor dimensional stability while drying
Notable Features
Distinctive 'stringy' or peeling bark, strong medicinal camphor-like scent when freshly cut, high oil content, and high tendency for radial cracking (checking)
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating exterior oils for preservation; requires significant sanding to remove grey oxidation before applying film-building finishes like polyurethane
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified based on the distinct stringy bark, tight growth rings, severe radial cracking (end-grain checking), and silvery-grey weathering characteristic of Eucalyptus in dry climates