Silky Oak

Silk-oak, commonly called “silky oak”, was introduced for shade, ornament and reforestation. It may reach 70 feet in height with a diameter of up to 3 feet. The wood was traditionally referred to as “lacewood” in its native Australia, and is now scarce there. It is moderately dense (specific gravity .57). The heartwood is initially pale pinkish brown, with strong medullary rays on the quartersawn face resembling those characteristic to oak. Flat-sawing of the lumber produces a less dramatic but attractive “fish scale” figure. In time, the wood seasons to a lustrous golden color. This open-grained wood finishes well. The tree grows up to an elevation of 4,000 feet, and is naturalized on diverse private and state forest lands.