North American Hardwood Tree Species
North american hardwoods are among the most plentiful and well managed natural resources in the world.
North american hardwood tree species. As a resource american hardwoods are abundant renewing and sustainable and an excellent choice for eco effective design and building. The common north american ash species. This tree is probably the most recognized tree on this list. The wood from hardwood trees tends to be harder because the trees grow at a slower rate giving the wood its greater density.
The preferred method of harvesting is single tree selection. Most common hardwoods unlike the conifers or softwood firs spruce and pines hardwood trees have evolved into a broad array of common species. Green and white ash trees are the two most common ash species and their range covers most of the eastern united states and canada. More than 52 of all hardwoods in north america are oak trees.
Although american beech wood is heavy hard tough and strong the tree is typically left during lumbering and often left uncut to grow. Other significant ash trees to cover significant ranges are black ash carolina ash and blue ash. They are abundant in the eastern forests of north america though they can be found throughout the continent broadleaf trees as the name suggests bear leaves that vary in size shape and thickness. Hardwood forests naturally regenerate themselves and do not require planting.
Certain species found in america have been cited as at least 400 years old. In addition to the basics where they grow general description and abundance. Hardwoods are also known as angiosperms broadleaf or deciduous trees. The bur oak is the most common oak in america and it can grow to a height of 160 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
This guide features 20 of the most abundant and most often used hardwood species.