|
Catalpa: Catalpa spp. Bignoniaceae |
|
|
|
|
Catalpa: Catalpa spp. Bignoniaceae |
|
|
|
The genus Catalpa is composed of 11 species native to North America [2], West Indies [5],
and temperate Asia (China to Tibet) [4]. The name catalpa is the Native American
(Cherokee) name for this tree.
Catalpa bignonioides* beantree, beau-tree, candle-tree, catawba, catawba-tree, cigartree,
common catalpa, Indian bean, Indian cigartree, southern catalpa
Catalpa longissima (Jamaica and Haiti) French oak, Haitian oak, Jamaica oak, mastwood, yokewood
Catalpa speciosa* candle-tree, catawba, cigartree, hardy catalpa, Indian bean, Indian
cigartree, northern catalpa, shawnee-wood, western catalpa,
western catawba
*commercial species
The following description is for the North American species.
Distribution: Catalpa is native to the central eastern United States, but is naturalized
throughout the United States and Canada.
The Tree: Catalpa trees are often planted as street trees and for shade in yards, but most often for their showy flowers. The tree has opposite, simple, entire leaves. The flowers are bisexual and formed in branched clusters. The fruits are large bean-like structures, resembling cigars. Catalpa trees can reach 100 ft (30 m) in height and 3 ft (1 m) in diameter. The bark is thick, with reddish-brown scales.
General Wood Characteristics: The wood is similar for both North American species. The sapwood is narrow and gray, while the heartwood is a grayish brown, tinged with lavender. The wood has a faint aromatic odor and no characteristic taste. It is ring porous, straight grained, light and soft. It can be confused with ash.
Weighta |
|
|
|
Moisture content |
Specific gravity |
Weight |
|
lb/ft3 |
kg/m3 |
||
Green 12% Ovendry |
0.38 |
41 29 |
657 465 NA |
aReference (59). |
|
|
|
Mechanical propertiesa
Property |
Green |
|
Dry |
|
MOE |
0.84 x 106 lbf/in2 |
5.792 GPa |
1.21 x 106 lbf/in2 |
8.343 GPa |
MOR |
5.20 x 103 lbf/in2 |
35.854 MPa |
9.40 x 103 lbf/in2 |
64.813 MPa |
C| | |
1.45 x 103 lbf/in2 |
9.998 MPa |
2.74 x 103 lbf/in2 |
18.892 MPa |
C ⊥ |
0.32 x 103 lbf/in2 |
2.206 MPa |
0.57 x 103 lbf/in2 |
3.930 MPa |
WML |
7.9 in-lbf/in3 |
54.471 kJ/m3 |
9.6 in-lbf/in3 |
66.192 kJ/m3 |
Hardness |
410 lbf |
1823.68 N |
550 lbf |
2446.40 N |
Shear| | |
0.68 x 103 lbf/in2 |
4.688 MPa |
1.13 x 103 lbf/in2 |
7.791 MPa |
Drying and shrinkagea,b
Type of shrinkage |
Percentage of shrinkage |
||
0% MC |
6% MC |
20% MC |
|
Tangential |
4.9 |
3.9 |
1.6 |
Radial |
2.5 |
2.0 |
0.8 |
Volumetric |
7.3 |
5.8 |
2.4 |
aCatalpa dries quickly and is easy to season, provided that the ends of the logs are coated.
bReferences: 0% MC, (59); 6% and 20% MC, (90).
Working Properties: Catalpa works very well with hand and machine tools, although it requires care to sand well.
Durability: Very resistant to heartwood decay when the wood is in contact with the soil. Preservation: No information available at this time.
Uses: Fence posts and rails, general construction, interior finish, handles, picture frames, cabinetry and fuel wood.
Toxicity: No information available at this time. Additional Reading: 29, 55, 68, 74.
Page url: http://www.fsclumber.us?catalpacatalpaspp_bignonia.htm
