Differences Between the Wood of Hardwoods and Softwoods

Differences Between the Wood of Hardwoods and Softwoods

A sixth difference between hardwoods and softwoods is that in hardwoods annual rings may be indistinct or difficult to see. Recall that in most softwoods growth rings are fairly distinct because latewood is darker in color than earlywood.

Shown here is a cross sectional view of red gum. Two growth rings are barely visible, traceable to one or two rows of fibers that have thicker cell walls than the fibers formed immediately before or after.

(Photo: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory)

In this photo of yellow poplar, the growth rings are easy to distinguish. In this case, a row of parenchyma at the end of each growth ring provides a distinct white margin to the ring.

(Photo: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory)

Here is a slide of white oak in cross section as it would appear to the naked eye. The growth rings are clearly visible, in this case because the earlywood vessels in each growth ring are much larger in diameter than they are in the latewood.

Can you list the six basic differences between the wood of hardwoods and softwoods? Move your mouse to the words below to check your answers.