Читать книгу Cane Topper Woodcarving - Lora S. Irish - Страница 17

There are approximately 600 extant species of oak, which is a common tree in most of the northern hemisphere. The United States has nearly 90 native species, which are commonly found in large forest stands and in home landscaping. This is major furniture wood and is used in timber-framed buildings and ship construction. Oak bark, rich in tannin, is used in tanning leathers.

The sample shown here is a species of white oak, and happens to be the state tree of Maryland. White oak has a medium-gray coloration with large white spottings. Lichen and moss are often found growing on the branches. The texture of oak changes dramatically depending on the age of the branch. All oak bark has some rough texture, and as the tree ages, the bark develops troughs and ridges that can be up to ½" (1.5cm) in depth.

Oak is an extremely dense hardwood, which gives it the strength needed for quality walking sticks. However, because oak tends to branch quickly and at a young age, you seldom find long, straight trunks. Note in the sample photo that this four- to five-year-old sapling already has several angles in its main trunk.