Logwood
Scientific name: Haematoxylum campechianum
Overview
Logwood is a historically significant hardwood best known as one of the most important natural dye sources in the world. Native to the Caribbean and parts of Central America, it was heavily harvested and exported from the 16th through 19th centuries for use in textile dyeing. While its role as a dye wood dominates its legacy, the wood itself is dense, durable, and suitable for small specialty applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Logwood
- Scientific Name: Haematoxylum campechianum
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 20–50 ft tall, up to 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~55–65 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: Not officially rated (moderately hard)
- Color: Reddish brown to deep purple-black
- Grain: Generally straight
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Logwood is distinctive due to its dark coloration, which can range from reddish brown to deep purple tones, especially when freshly cut or processed.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish brown to purple-black heartwood
- Fine to medium texture
- Straight grain with subtle figure
- Color deepens with age and exposure
Working Properties
Logwood is moderately dense and workable, though it is not commonly used as a primary lumber species due to its historical use for dye extraction.
- Moderate difficulty in machining
- Turns well for small objects
- Accepts finishes smoothly
- Can produce fine dust when worked
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation in some individuals. Standard protective measures such as dust masks and proper ventilation are recommended.
Common Uses
Logwood is primarily valued for its dye-producing properties, though it has secondary uses in woodworking.
- Natural dye production
- Turned objects
- Small specialty items
- Tool handles (historically)
- Decorative pieces
Sustainability & Notes
Logwood was historically overharvested due to its importance in the dye trade, but it is now more commonly managed and cultivated in some regions. It remains an important species in both historical and botanical contexts.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Purpleheart – Similar rich coloration, though Purpleheart is more stable and widely used in modern woodworking.
Bloodwood – Another vividly colored hardwood, but typically brighter red and more uniform.
Cocuswood – Comparable dark tones, but typically more uniform in color and heavier overall.
Related Guides
Color Changes in Tropical Hardwoods Over Time – Explains how woods like Logwood develop deeper coloration with age and exposure.
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain – Helps identify grain structure in species like Logwood with generally straight grain patterns.
Why Some Wood Species Become Restricted – Provides context on historical overharvesting and trade pressures affecting species like Logwood.
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
Logwood is a highly desirable species for collectors due to its historical significance in global trade and dye production. Samples are especially valued when they display deep purple coloration, making it a unique addition to collections focused on color-rich or historically important woods.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
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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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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.
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