Wood properties of exotic larch grown in eastern Canada and north-eastern United States

Abstract

The rapid growth performance of exotic larch such as Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis (Sieb. et Zucc) Gord.) and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) has attracted the attention of the forestry sector in eastern Canada and north-eastern United States for lumber and pulp production. While growth performance of these species in North America has been well documented, little is known with regards to their wood properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the primary lumber grade yields, mechanical properties, fiber length, specific gravity and cold-water soluble extractives of larch from plantations in Maine, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Samples were obtained from a Japanese (age 31), three European (age 17, 34 and 63) and one Japanese × European hybrid (age 22-27) larch stands. It was found that the structural grade yields of these species were relatively low because of the influence of knots. The mechanical properties (modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity) of the mature European larch appeared to be comparable with published data for some native softwood species. Fiber length, specific gravity and cold-water soluble extractive content of all samples were similar to those found for other softwood species which are used for pulp production. Fiber length of the juvenile wood of European larch was significantly shorter than that of mature wood. Extractive content was highest in newly formed heartwood. Contrary to common belief, extractive content in young trees may not be low. Key words: Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis Gord.), European larch (Larix decidua Mill.), European × Japanese hybrid (Larix eurolepis), Wood properties, Lumber yields

Heartwood extractives and lignin content of different larch species ( Larix sp.) and relationships to brown-rot decay-resistance

“…The results on the amounts of extractives in larch are concordant with those found by Hakkila et al (1972), Chui and MacKinnon-Peters (1995), Keith and Chauret (1988) and Einspahr et al (1984). As in other studies considerable tree-to-tree variation was found and a wide range observed especially for the hot-water extractives (5.7-20.5% d.w.).…”

Variation in fibre properties of cultivated Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) in relation to radial and axial locations in the trunk

“…So the axial difference was at its smallest in the juvenile wood, increasing towards the bark. Chui and MacKinnon-Peters (1995) also observed in several larch species that fibres were clearly shortest at the butt height while at the other heights they did not differ from each other. The increase of FL from the butt upwards is due to ageing of the apical meristem and its effect on cambial initials (Dodd 1988).…”

A stand density index for complex mixed species forests in the northeastern United States

“…An RD = 1 using our coefficients and an SG of 0.53 yields an implied maximum ASDI of 766, which is strikingly close. Chui and MacKinnon-Peters (1995) provide variable but somewhat lower estimates of SG for European larch in Maine and Atlantic Canada. Halligan and Nyland (1999) developed a stocking chart for Norway spruce in New York that implies an A-line ASDI of 1013.…”