springwood

[ spring-woo d ]

/ ˈsprɪŋˌwʊd /

the part of an annual ring of wood, characterized by large, thin-walled cells, formed during the first part of the growing season.

Also called early wood.

Compare summerwood.

Origin of springwood

First recorded in 1515–25; spring + wood¹

The annual rings are variable in width, and the proportionate amounts of springwood and summerwood also vary.

American Forest Trees |Henry H. Gibson
It is not easy to note a difference between the springwood and that which grows later.

American Forest Trees |Henry H. Gibson
In some woods the largest pores are in the springwood only and therefore run in rings.

American Forest Trees |Henry H. Gibson
The wood is light, soft, not strong; annual rings are moderately wide, and are largely composed of springwood.

American Forest Trees |Henry H. Gibson

There are many pores, however, and those in the springwood are arranged in bands.

American Forest Trees |Henry H. Gibson

springwood

/ (ˈsprɪŋˌwʊd) /

the wood that is produced by a plant in the spring and early summer and consists of large thin-walled xylem cells Compare summerwood