Ambrosia Maple (Soft Maple with fungal staining)
Acer rubrum / Acer saccharinum · Hardwood
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay if exposed to moisture, though sound when dried for interior use.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy flat-sawn face grain with distinct elongated gray-brown streaks and bore holes caused by ambrosia beetles.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light yellowish-tan background sapwood, highlighted by prominent dark brown, gray, and black longitudinal streaks (ambrosia mineral discoloration).
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay if exposed to moisture, though sound when dried for interior use.
Value & Age
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and board width.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber cut; surface appears recently planed and dressed within the last 1-3 years.
Common Uses
Turning blanks, specialty furniture, cutting boards, tabletops, decorative crafts, cabinetry, and accent veneers.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally good workability; planes and sands easily. Occasional tearout can occur near knots or heavy streaking around beetle galleries.
Finish Recommendations
Clear finishes such as wipe-on polyurethane, lacquers, or natural oils (tung/danish oil) highlight the contrast between the pale wood and dark streaks.
Notable Features
Distinctive dark streaking created by symbiotic fungi carried by ambrosia beetles; central entry holes visible within the streaks; faint sweet odor when worked.
