Modulus of Elasticity.
1,220,000.
Modulus of Rupture.
11,100.
Remarks.
Two other species, Guajacum officinale and Guajacum arborium, afford similar woods not commercially distinguished from the above. [p108]
LAUREL. (Magnolia, Rhododendron, Arbutus, etc.)
The name Laurel applies locally or botanically to a number of American plants, several of which attain to the dignity of trees.
The Big Laurel or Magnolia (M. grandiflora) is an ornamental tree of the highest rank, extensively planted in parks and gardens of American cities as far north as Washington, and also grown in Europe. The wood is suitable for interior finish and is also used for fuel. The California Laurel (Umbellularia californica) and the Madroña or Madroña Laurel (Arbutus menziesii) are Pacific coast species of beautiful appearance, the strong, heavy, hard woods of which are of economic importance. Professor Sargent considers[58] that the former is the most valuable interior or cabinet wood produced by the forests of the Pacific coast. The wood of the Madroña has little or no place in construction, but its charcoal is used in the manufacture of gunpowder. The wood of the Great Laurel or Rose Bay (Rhododendron maximum) has been used as boxwood. The gnarled roots of the Mountain Laurel or calico bush (Kalmia latifolia) are used for rustic hanging-baskets, seats, and the like.