Ambrosia Maple (Red Maple/Silver Maple variation)
Acer rubrum or Acer saccharinum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight-grained with irregular, elongated streaks and oval-shaped figures known as "ghosting." Features small insect boreholes at the center of the discoloration streaks.
Color Description
Creamy white to light tan sapwood with greyish-brown to olive-colored streaks caused by the Ambrosia beetle and its associated fungus. The luster is moderately high, and the white portions will yellow slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not dried and kept indoors.
Common Uses
Furniture, turned bowls, cabinetry, musical instruments, butcher blocks, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.50 - $8.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the figuring.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled lumber (less than 1-2 years since harvest), indicated by the bright, unwashed color of the sapwood and rough-sawn edges.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List; widely available and common in FSC certified sources.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the soft maple base can sometimes suffer from burning if blades are dull. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive dark streaks caused by a symbiotic relationship between the Ambrosia beetle and fungi. The fungus stains the wood but does not compromise the structural integrity. Small "pinholes" are always present in the center of the streaks.
Finish Recommendations
Clear coats such as lacquer, polyurethane, or shellac are recommended to preserve the high-contrast color variations. Oil finishes also work well to enhance the depth of the streaks.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic elongated greyish-brown streaks originating from visible pinholes are a definitive diagnostic feature of Ambrosia Maple.