Jamaican Dogwood
Scientific name: Piscidia piscipula
Overview
Jamaican Dogwood is a moderately dense Caribbean hardwood known for its durability, stability, and subtle grain character. Native to island regions of the Caribbean and parts of southern Florida, it has historically been valued for both structural uses and traditional applications.
The wood ranges from pale brown to medium brown and typically darkens slightly with age. While not as visually dramatic as Sabicu or West Indian Satinwood, it offers dependable working properties and respectable strength.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Jamaican Dogwood
- Scientific Name: Piscidia piscipula
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods (Florida, Caribbean, Central America)
- Tree Size: 25–50 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 40 lbs/ft³ (640 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,200 lbf
- Color: Light brown to medium brown, sometimes with a slight reddish tint
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Jamaican Dogwood typically presents a light to medium brown heartwood with minimal contrast between earlywood and latewood. The grain is usually straight, though slight interlocking may occur. Texture is fine to medium, giving the surface a smooth, even appearance when properly milled.
Key identification traits include:
- Light to medium brown tone
- Subtle grain contrast
- Fine to medium texture
- Straight or mildly interlocked grain
- Uniform surface when surfaced
Working Properties
Jamaican Dogwood machines relatively well compared to denser Caribbean hardwoods.
- Planes and sands smoothly
- Moderate resistance to cutting tools
- Glues and finishes reliably
- Holds detail reasonably well
- Stable when properly dried
It is easier to work than Sabicu but less visually striking than West Indian Satinwood.
Safety Note
Standard wood dust precautions are recommended. Some individuals may experience mild irritation from prolonged exposure.
Common Uses
Jamaican Dogwood common uses including:
- Light structural components
- Interior joinery
- Turned objects
- Tool handles
- Small crafted items
Sustainability & Notes
Jamaican Dogwood is not commonly found in large commercial board form today. Availability is generally regional and limited. Most material appears in smaller dimensional lumber rather than wide boards.
Collectors may encounter smaller blanks or specialty stock rather than furniture-grade planks.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Sabicu – Heavier, darker, and more structurally robust.
West Indian Satinwood – Lighter in color with more pronounced luster and decorative appeal.
Tzalam – Similar in density but typically darker and more uniform in grain.
Related Guides
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Provides context for how Jamaican Dogwood compares to other Caribbean hardwoods.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Explains drying behavior and dimensional movement.
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish Jamaican Dogwood from similar medium-brown tropical species.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Jamaican Dogwood is less commonly documented in modern hardwood markets, making well-labeled specimens desirable for regional collections. Smaller turning blanks and dimensional stock are more typical than wide boards. Verified Caribbean origin adds documentation value within a structured species archive.
Video Overview
Learn Through Video
Watch a visual overview of Jamaican Dogwood, including its rich red color, smooth texture, and common woodworking uses.
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When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• THORVALD 3-in-1 Carpenter Mechanical Pencil Set for making precise layout marks on wood, lumber, drywall, concrete, and other construction materials
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• Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue (18 oz) for creating strong, waterproof bonds in indoor and outdoor woodworking, furniture, and repair projects
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• DEWALT 21-Piece Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for drilling clean, accurate holes in wood, metal, and plastic with long-lasting pilot point bits
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