Gymnosperm Wood Generic Comparison
Pinaceae
I. Pinus (Pine)*
A. Color
.
1. Reddish-brown- Soft Pines
2. Yellowish-golden-reddish-brown - Hard Pines
B. Texture
1. Smooth-Intermediate
C. Figure
1. Even/uneven- Soft Pines
2. Uneven - Hard Pines
D. Macroscopic Ray Visibility
1. Obscure
E. Hardness
1. Soft - Soft Pines
2. Hard - Hard Pines
F. Density
1. Light - Soft Pines
2. Heavy - Hard Pines
G. Spring to Summer Wood
Transition
1. Gradual - Soft Pines
2. Abrupt - Hard Pines
H. Pit arrangement
1. Uniseriate
2. Some opposite - Hard Pines
I. Ray Tracheids
1. Smooth - Soft Pines
2. Dentate (Medium or Reticulate)- Hard Pines
J. Cross field Pits
1. 1-3 Large or 1-6 Pinoid- Soft Pines
2. 1-6 Pinoid - Hard Pines
K. Resin Canals
1. Thin epithelial cell walls
L. Resinous odor