Other Common Names:
Cedro

Botanical Name:
Cedrela spp.

Family:
Maliaceae

Mature Tree Height, Diameter:
100 ft , 3-6 ft

Weight @ 12% M/C:
23-47 lbs./ft.3

Working Properties:
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, may be difficult to bore cleanly, good nailing and gluing properties, stains and finishes well.

Growing Regions:
Mexico to Argentina

General Characteristics:
Heartwood red to dark reddish brown, grain usually straight, texture medium, luster medium to high, distinctive cedary odor.

Uses:
Millwork, fine furniture and cabinetry, musical instruments, boat building, decorative and utility plywood, cigar wrappers and cigar boxes.

Acceptable Substitutes:
Mahogany, Andiroba

References:
"Tropical Timbers of the World", USDA Handbook #607, Sept. 1984, p. 47

Discussion:
Spanish Cedar is the traditional wood for cigar humidor linings. The odor, and moisture-retention properties are thought to have the ability to keep cigars at their best, and also to improve them. Much Cedar has a moderate to severe tendency to bleed pitch, or resin.