Species and wood science

Sycamore maple

Sycamore maple is Acer pseudoplatanus, a pale European maple used for furniture and turning.

It has fine, even texture and may show curl or ripple. Clean pale colour makes staining and handling marks easy to see.

In North American English, sycamore usually means a plane tree. The botanical name prevents that mix-up.

More terms

European oak

European oak usually refers to Quercus robur or closely traded European white-oak species.

European walnut

European walnut is Juglans regia, also called English or Persian walnut.

European ash

European ash is Fraxinus excelsior, a pale hardwood with clear open grain.

Black locust

Black locust is Robinia pseudoacacia, a dense and naturally durable hardwood.