Wood identification help

[alexf]

Two or three years age I received a load of Ash logs. I have no problems with the identification of that. However among the load were a few logs if this wood. It is quite hard so is not one of the pines or spruces. Can anyone help me with the identification of it. I have cut one of the logs to show the grain. It came from a Caravan Site but it may not be a native wood.

 

[Argus]

The first thing that leapt into my mind was Rhododendron.

It can grow to some girth over time and some people find it's good for turning and carving. If it is Rhododendron, there are reports of toxicity, but I don't know much about that.

I may be wrong.......... so, a second and third opinion is worth waiting for.

 

[peterw3035]

I think it could be an old hawthorn due to it's the grain colour and bark texture.

 

[alexf]

I thought Hawthorn had a shiny bark.

 

[rob1693]

Only higher up new growth the older wood is very gnarly and it is very hard this I one I have at top of garden

 

[Tris]

I think it is a member of the Prunus family, probably the purple Flowering Plum, Prunus pissardii nigra (let's see if that passses the rude word filter!)

 

[heronviewer]

I think Tris is right - one of the prunus family, but I wouldn't guess which one.

 

[alexf]

That was my initial thought. I was also looking at the Laurel family but there are so many. I think I will just call it Tree Wood.

 

[Suffolkboy]

That's Hawthorn going by the bark and the leaves I can see in the middle photo.

And those thorns I can see coming from the smaller branches.

 

[Suffolkboy]

Sorry. I was identifying rob 1693's Hawthorn. Which he already knew was hawthorn. Got confused.

I'd not be surprised if the actual wood in question was Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) or some other plummy type wood as said above.

 

[WillM]

If it’s heavy I'd agree with prunus, though it’s often solid orange in the heartwood. If it’s light, I’ve seen willow that looks similar.