Between- and Within-Tree Variation in the Anatomy and Specific Gravity of Wood in Oregon White Oak (Quercus Garryana Dougl.)

Abstract

In order to analyze the variation in wood properties within and between trees of an underutilized tree species, we sampled six Oregon white oak ( Quercus garryana Dougl.) trees from an 80-year old mixed stand of Q. garryana and Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) in the Coast Range of Western Oregon, USA. Fibre length, earlywood vessel diameter, tissue proportions, and specific gravity were measured on samples across the diameter at two heights. Trees had a slight lean (2-12°), so we sampled separately both radii of a diametric strip that ran from the lower to upper side of lean.