DESCRIPTION Cherry heartwood varies from rich red to reddish-brown. The sapwood is white.  It has a fine, straight grain with narrow brown pith flecks and small gum pockets. It has a smooth texture. Weight is about 36lbs per cu. ft. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN North America BOTANICAL NAME Prunus Serotina OTHER NAMES Black Cherry, Wild Cherry, Cabinet Cherry MECHANICAL PROPERTIES Medium strength. Good bending characteristics. Low stiffness and medium shock resistance. WORKING PROPERTIES Works easily with hand and power tools. Moderate blunting effect on cutters. Nails, glues, and stains well. Polishes to an excellent finish. DURABILITY Moderately durable. Sapwood is susceptible to attack by common furniture beetle. Heartwood is moderately resistant to preservative treatment. SEASONING Dries rapidly with little degradation if care is taken to avoid moderate shrinkage during seasoning. Medium movement. USES Furniture, cabinetmaking, flooring, high-class joinery, boat interiors, tobacco pipes, paneling, and veneer. Excellent turning and carving wood. Great lumber for use as hardwood flooring. COMMENTS It is widely held in fine furniture making circles that one does not stain Cherry!