The Larch Family

european-larch-sEuropean Larch

Scientific Name: Larix decidua
Location: Central Europe
Dried Weight: 36lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness: 740lbf
Crushing Strength: 7,540lbf /in2

European Larch has a heartwood which ranges from a yellow to medium reddish brown color. The sapwood is nearly white in color. The grain is straight or spiraled and it has a medium to fine texture. The wood has a greasy or oily feel to it. It is rated as moderately durable in regards to decay. It is fair to work with but its natural resins have a tendency to gum up saw blades.

 

japanese larch-s (1)Japanese Larch

Scientific Name: Larix kaempferi
Location: Japan
Dried Weight: 31lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness: 600lbf
Crushing Strength: 6,010lbf /in2

Japanese Larch has a heartwood which ranges from a yellow to a reddish brown color. The sapwood is nearly white in color. The grain is straight and it has a medium to fine texture. The wood has a greasy or oily feel to it. It is rated as moderately durable in regards to decay. It is fair to work with but its natural resins have a tendency to gum up saw blades.

 

western-larchWestern Larch

Scientific Name: Larix occidentalis
Location: Northwestern North America
Dried Weight: 36lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness: 830lbf
Crushing Strength: 7,620lbf /in2

Western Larch has a heartwood which ranges from a yellow to medium reddish brown color. The sapwood is yellowish white in color. The grain is straight or spiraled and it has a medium to fine texture. It has small resin canals present. The wood has a greasy or oily feel to it. It is rated as moderately durable in regards to decay. It is fair to work with but its natural resins have a tendency to gum up saw blades. As well it has a blunting effect on cutters.