Eucalyptus (most likely Blue Gum or River Red Gum)
Eucalyptus globulus / Eucalyptus camaldulensis · Hardwood / Exotic
- Type
- Hardwood / Exotic
- Origin
- Native to Australia; widely planted in California, Africa, South America, and Southern Europe.
- Hardness
- 1125 lbf to 2300 lbf depending on specific sub-species (Medium to Very Hard classification).
- Durability
- Rated as Durable to Very Durable; high natural resistance to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked grain with significant fibrous texture; likely to show wavy figure if milled.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from light pinkish-brown to deep reddish-brown with age; sapwood is pale yellow. Visible surface shows weathered grey-brown oxidation on bark and cambium layers.
Hardness (Janka)
1125 lbf to 2300 lbf depending on specific sub-species (Medium to Very Hard classification).
Durability & Decay Resistance
Rated as Durable to Very Durable; high natural resistance to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 - $8.00 per board foot for lumber; sold primarily as firewood or pulp wood in raw log form.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Fresh cut to 1 year; wood chips are light in color (not yet oxidized) while bark shows recent harvesting marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed; generally considered Invasive in some regions (like California) but commercially sustainable in plantations.
Common Uses
Heavy construction, flooring, fuel wood (heavy firewood), high-oil content essential oils, and rustic furniture.
Geographic Origin
Native to Australia; widely planted in California, Africa, South America, and Southern Europe.
Workability
Difficult; high density and interlocked grain cause significant tearout during planing and dull machine blades rapidly.
Finish Recommendations
High-solids oils or urethanes; the wood's high density and natural oils make penetration difficult for some stains.
Notable Features
Distinct medicinal scent when cut due to cineole oils; high moisture content when green leads to significant warping and checking during drying.
