White Oak (most likely, based on proximity of fallen leaves)
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. In lumber, it frequently features prominent medullary rays, especially when quarter-sawn (fleck/flake figure).
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium brown, commonly with an olive cast. Sapwood is light brown to white. Color tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,350 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses in the pores that make the wood nearly liquid-impermeable.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, barrels (cooperage), trim, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut (e.g., Rift/Quarter-sawn is more expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
Living specimen; approximately 10-15 years old based on trunk diameter and bark fissure development.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in North America.
Workability
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has a moderately high shrinkage rate. Responds well to steam bending. Reacts with iron (turning black) if wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. High tannin content. Contains tyloses which make it suitable for water-tight applications like wine barrels.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Since it is open-pored, a grain filler may be used if a glass-smooth finish is desired. Oil-based finishes enhance the figure.
Identification Confidence
Medium. While the bark and the fallen leaf in the foreground strongly suggest a member of the White Oak group, definitive identification of standing timber requires a close look at buds or leaf attachments on the branch.