Links to the American Beech webpage.  
 

Wood & Charcoal Identification
in Southern Maryland


Sycamore

Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis /Platanaceae). The genus Platanus, also known as buttonwood or plane tree, is composed of about 8 species native to Eastern Europe, western Asia and North America. All species are identical at the cellular level. The British term “sycamore” refers to a species in the hard maple group (Acer pseudoplatanus), and plane tree is used for Platanus that grows there. Platanus occidentalis grows naturally in entire the eastern United States, usually in wet areas near rivers or streams. Platanus trees reach heights of 120 ft with diameters of over 3 ft. Platanus sapwood light tan to light yellow, with dark brown heartwood. The wood is classified as moderate in most physical and mechanical properties. It is similar to Willow in most properties and applications. It is used for boxes, containers, flooring, furniture (especially drawer sides), millwork, pallets, paper, particleboard, plywood, pulp wood, and veneer.

http://www2.fpl.fs.fed.us/TechSheets/HardwoodNA/htmlDocs/platan1.html.

Characteristics found in the Sycamore (Platanus spp.):

  • Diffuse Porous
  • Simple perforations
  • I/V pits variable (2-12)
  • Wide rays (< 15 seriate) & homocellular
WOOD SLIDES
Click on each image to view a larger image.

CHARCOAL SLIDES

 
 

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Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab