Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

 

Family - Pinaceae

 

Distribution - Canada and United States

 

Other Names: Black spruce, Californian coast spruce, Menzies spruce, Silk spruce, Silver spruce,  Tideland spruce, Western spruce, Yellow spruce.

 

Characteristics: There is little difference in colour between the sapwood and heartwood, generally being a creamy white, but the heartwood usually has a pinkish tinge. It usually has a straight grain, but occasionally this may be spiral.  The texture is medium.  The timber is non-resinous and light in weight, about 450 kg/m3 when dried.

 

Working Qualities: It is easily worked and finishes very cleanly. It can be nailed, screwed, glued, stained, polished and painted satisfactorily.

 

Uses: Gliders, sail-planes, oars and racing sculls, internal joinery, building and decorative boxes.