Latin Name: Populus nigra
Common Name(s): Black Poplar, Lombardy Poplar, Mappa burl
Sources: Europe, western Asia, Northern Africa; planted as an ornamental in North America
Characteristics
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Heartwood tends to be a light brown. Sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white, and isn’t clearly demarcated, tending to gradually blend into the heartwood. This species also yields a unique burl that’s commonly sold as Mappa or Mapa. |
Grain/ Texture
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Light to medium gold w/ red brown burl clusters surrounded by angel step figure. |
Workability
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Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though sharp cutters are necessary when planing to avoid fuzzy surfaces, (subsequent fine-sanding may be necessary to obtain a smooth surface). Wood has a tendency to warp and distort during drying. Glues and finishes well. |
Uses
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Utility lumber, furniture carcasses, boxes and crates, plywood, and laminated construction lumber. Burls are used for drum shells, fine furniture, veneer, and inlays. |
Availability
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Commonly available as a utility lumber throughout Europe. Limited availability of harvested ornamental trees in North America. Prices are low for a domestic hardwood. Burl sections are sometimes sold as veneer sheets and are quite expensive. |