As a woodworker and firewood enthusiast, I’m always interested when I split open a log and see a bright golden yellow color inside. While not all yellow woods are created equal, that vibrant hue usually signals a dense hardwood that’s worth a second look.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common tree species that display yellow inner wood and tips for identifying the differences. There are a few key yellow woods that are especially popular for lumber, firewood, and other uses
Why Does Wood Turn Yellow When Split?
Freshly split logs often reveal a sunny yellow or orangish color because of the sapwood. The sapwood is the outer growth layer of a tree that transports sap and nutrients. It’s more porous and moist than the inner heartwood.
When a log is first split open, the sapwood is exposed to air and oxidizes, changing from a light cream color to yellow. Over time, the vibrant yellow fades and darkens as moisture evaporates and natural pigments are released.
Top Yellow Woods Worth Knowing
Here are some of the most notable tree varieties that show yellow inner wood when split
Osage Orange
Osage orange, also called hedge apple, is considered by many to be the gold standard when it comes to yellow firewood. The wood has a striking golden yellow color when freshly split. It’s one of the densest hardwoods and provides excellent heat output. Osage orange is also very rot resistant.
Black Locust
A top-tier firewood, black locust has yellowish heartwood when split open. The color tends to be slightly paler than Osage orange. It’s extremely dense and durable. Black locust splits easily and dries quickly.
Mulberry
Mulberry wood has a pale yellow hue when first split but darkens over time It has a fibrous texture and splits with ease. Fresh cut mulberry also has a pleasant, mildly fruity scent. Provides great heat when fully seasoned.
Sassafras
Prized for its fragrant aroma, sassafras has yellowish sapwood just under the bark. The pith is often chambered and spongy. Leaves are uniquely mitten-shaped. Sassafras is lower in density than other yellow woods.
Boxelder
A softer maple species, boxelder gives off a foul, fishy odor when cut due to nitrogen compounds. The wood is lightweight and turns yellow-orange when split. Roots often grow in twisted, flattened shapes. Burns fast with low heat output.
Yellow-Poplar
Actually part of the magnolia family, yellow-poplar has light yellow heartwood when split open. The sapwood is a creamy white. It’s softer than oak but still splits fairly easily. Yellow-poplar has a bitter scent and doesn’t provide much heat.
Identifying Characteristics of Yellow Wood
When dealing with yellow inner wood, use these tips to positively identify the exact species:
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Consider the weight and hardness. Osage orange and black locust are extremely dense and hard. Boxelder and yellow-poplar are lightweight.
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Examine the bark. Black locust has thick, furrowed bark while sassafras has a unique cork-like bark.
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Split the log and check the pith. Black locust pith is thick and chambered. Sassafras has a thin pith.
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Note the odor, especially when freshly cut. Mulberry and sassafras have a pleasant aroma. Boxelder smells strongly of rotting fish.
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Look at the grain patterns after splitting. Try to spot the interlocking grain that’s common with black locust.
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Research the tree’s natural range. Some yellow woods only grow in certain regions.
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When uncertain, search for identifying leaves, seeds, flowers, etc. and compare photos online.
Uses for Yellow Wood
Once you’ve zeroed in on the exact species, you can take full advantage of yellow wood’s best properties. Here are some of the most popular uses:
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Firewood – Osage orange, black locust, and mulberry provide excellent heat and burn time. Avoid boxelder and yellow-poplar for fires.
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Lumber – Black locust is extremely rot resistant, making it perfect for outdoor furniture, decking, fences and other exterior uses.
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Cabinetry – Mulberry, yellow-poplar, and sassafras have a nice appearance for indoor furniture and cabinetry.
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Turning – Sassafras and mulberry turn well on lathes due to their even texture.
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Carving – The fine, consistent grain of yellow cedar makes it a choice wood for carved bowls, boxes, and other objects.
No matter how you put it to use, yellow wood’s vibrant color stands out whether split into firewood or transformed into a finished wood project. Just be sure to identify the exact species first for the best outcome. Happy wood hunting!
Can a Kinetic Wood-splitter Split this Log?
FAQ
What wood is yellow when cut?
Yellow cedar is one of the world’s most durable woods. It has a distinctive and uniform yellow colour, and the narrow band of sapwood is very similar in colour to the heartwood. The wood is fine textured and straight grained.
Is yellow wood good firewood?
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The Gleanerhttps://www.thegleaner.comLooking to warm up? Remember that not all firewood is created equalJan 12, 2023 — Wood is made up of air and wood fiber, or cellulose. Since the cellulose burns, but not the air, look for the heaviest or densest firewood per unit …
What wood is naturally yellow?
Yellowheart. Yellowheart is a neo-satine wood whose color can range from pale yellow to bright yellow to varying shades of gold. Sapwood is lighter and pale, but not always easily discerned from pale-colored heartwood. Its grains are typically straight, but can also by wavy and/or interlocked.
What Wood is yellow when split?
Here are some of the most notable tree varieties that show yellow inner wood when split: Also called hedge or hedge apple, Osage orange is arguably the gold standard when it comes to yellow firewood. The wood has a bright golden yellow hue when fresh cut It’s one of the heaviest hardwoods and provides excellent heat. Resists rotting.
What is yellow firewood?
Also called hedge or hedge apple, Osage orange is arguably the gold standard when it comes to yellow firewood. The wood has a bright golden yellow hue when fresh cut It’s one of the heaviest hardwoods and provides excellent heat. Resists rotting. A top burning wood, black locust has yellowish heartwood when split.
Why does wood turn yellow when split?
A vibrant yellowish hue when wood is split open often signals a top-shelf hardwood. But not all yellow woods are created equal. Let’s explore some of the common tree species that display yellow inner wood and tips for identifying the differences.
What is bright yellow wood?
Re: Bright yellow wood, what is it? It’s a tough wood .At one it was used for the decking on machinery trailers that hauled tracked equipment .Plus it’s nearly rot proof .Untreated fence posts last for a very long time .
What is a yellowwood tree?
The American Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) may be America’s most inherently valuable native tree for landscaping. What wood has yellow undertones? Woods with warm undertones will look yellow or red — think Cherry, Mahogany, and Hickory. These work well together, even if they vary in tone and grain.
Do Osage trees produce yellow firewood?
Osage trees are also known for producing yellow firewood. In fact, this tree is often nicknamed yellow-wood amongst many other names. Some trees that belong to the mulberry family, including the osage, will sometimes have yellow wood inside of its bark. A virgilia tree usually produces gray firewood, but is known to turn yellow from time to time.