Birdseye Maple
Birdseye Maple (Acer saccharum)
Common Names: Birdseye Maple
Distribution: Northeastern North America
Color/Appearance: Birdseye Maple is not technically a distinct species of Maple, but rather, it’s a figure that is occasionally found in Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) trees. It’s named “birdseye” (sometimes simply written out as: Bird’s Eye Maple) because the figure resembles small bird’s eyes.
The figure is reportedly caused by unfavorable growing conditions for the tree. The Sugar Maple attempts to start numerous new buds to get more sunlight, but with poor growing conditions the new shoots are aborted and afterwards a number of tiny knots remain.
Janka Hardness: 1,450 lbf
Density: 3.66 lb./b.f.
Shrinkage: 1
Radial (thickness): 4.8%
Tangential (width): 9.9%,
Volumetric (total): 14.7%,
T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.9
Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Birdseye Maple, along with other maples in the Acer genus has been reported to cause skin irritation, runny nose and asthma-like respiratory effects.
Sustainability: CITES: no, IUCN: no
Common Uses: Stringed musical instruments, high-end furniture, veneer and cabinetry.
