European cherry tree / Wild cherry
bot. Prunus avium
Depending on the location, the cherry tree grows to a height of 20 – 30 m and can be about 100 years old. In spring, its snow-white blossoms make the tree stand out impressively from the rest of the forest. The fast-growing, light-demanding cherry tree is an important tree species for the production of valuable timber, but also requires intensive care in mixed forests. The reddish to yellow-brown heartwood, with clear annual ring boundaries, has always had a special status among the noble hardwoods. Even during the Baroque period, furniture with the incomparable, warm colour of the cherry tree was extremely popular.
Comments
Sapwood minimal, heartwood somewhat more durable. Not weather resistant.
Hardness grade
28 - 31 Brinell
Color
Yellowish to reddish light sapwood with pale yellow core .
Color change
Reddish-brown darkening.
Today, high-quality cherry wood is sought after as solid wood and veneer, for example in sophisticated interior design for doors, parquet floors, panelling, but also in instrument making, turnery and carving.
Origin
- The native habitat of the cherry tree is in Central Europe as far as the Caucasus and Asia Minor.
- The tree needs a lot of light and appreciates fertile limestone soil
- It is often found at the edge of mixed deciduous forests.
Wood character
- Sapwood is yellowish to light reddish, the core pale yellow, later darkening to reddish brown, mandatory colour core.
- Texture moderately prominent, medium to fine.
- Wood mat shiny, the annual rings clearly visible due to semi-ring pattern, very decorative.
- Medullary rays numerous, light reddish, easily visible, medium wide.
Use
- The noble timber is used in sophisticated cabinetry, for example for chairs or beds.
Characteristics
Weight: 630 KG/M³
Weight (Average bulk density air dry, ᵨ 12...15)
Average hardness: 30 N/MM²
Average hardness according to Brinell (radial)
Stability: mittel bis gut
Dimensional and form stability
Durability: wenig dauerhaft bis mäßig dauerhaft
Natural durability according to DIN-EN 350-2
