COMMON NAMES:   Basswood, linden, American linden, lime, whitewood (Canada)

SPECIFIC GRAVITY:   0.32 - 0.50

DENSITY:  25 - 32 lbs./cu.ft.

TANGENTIAL MOVEMENT:   9.3%

RADIAL MOVEMENT:   6.6%

VOLUMETRIC SHRINKAGE:   15.8%

DURABILITY1:   Poor

SOURCE:  Basswood grows in the eastern U.S., Great Lakes states, Appalachians and Canada. Related species grow in Mexico.

DESCRIPTION:   Light, soft, with very fine, even texture, easily worked, good strength for its weight. Experiences high shrinkage when seasoned, but is stable once dry. Color light tan to nearly white. Wood is odorless and tasteless. One of the best carving woods in the world.

1 Durability refers to a wood's resistance to rotting in wet environments.