Spanish Elm
Scientific name: Cordia alliodora
Overview
Spanish Elm is a medium-density tropical hardwood native to the Caribbean and parts of coastal Central America. In island regions, it has long been valued for boat components, interior joinery, and general construction due to its balance of strength, stability, and workability.
Despite its common name, it is not a true elm. It belongs to the Cordia genus. The wood is typically light to medium brown with straight grain and a fine to medium texture.
Spanish Elm represents a structurally reliable but visually modest species within the Caribbean hardwood category.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Spanish Elm
- Scientific Name: Cordia alliodora
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods (Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 34 lbs/ft³ (545 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,100 lbf
- Color: Light brown to golden brown, sometimes with a slight gray or olive tone
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Heartwood ranges from light brown to medium golden-brown. Grain is typically straight and uniform. Texture is fine to medium with a smooth surface when finished.
Key identification traits include:
- Light to medium brown coloration
- Straight, even grain
- Moderate weight
- Smooth, clean machining surface
- Subtle natural luster
Working Properties
Spanish Elm machines easily and predictably.
- Cuts cleanly
- Sands smoothly
- Accepts glue well
- Holds fasteners adequately
- Stable when properly dried
It performs well in both interior joinery and light structural applications.
Safety Note
Standard hardwood dust precautions recommended. No significant toxicity concerns reported for seasoned material.
Common Uses
Spanish Elm common uses including:
- Boat interior components
- Cabinetry
- Trim and moldings
- Light furniture
- Utility construction
- Craft applications
Sustainability & Notes
Spanish Elm is more commercially documented than many island-only Caribbean species. However, true Caribbean-sourced material is less common internationally compared to mainland production.
Availability outside the region is moderate but typically in smaller dimensional stock.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Caribbean White Cedar – Lighter and softer.
Lancewood – Heavier and more shock resistant.
West Indian Mahogany – More decorative and traditionally used in furniture.
Related Guides
Elm Species Guide
Explore elm species from North America, Europe, and Asia, comparing their grain, hardness, strength, workability, appearance, and traditional woodworking uses.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Places Spanish Elm in the mid-density tropical category.
Building a Documented Wood Collection
Important for cataloging regionally distinct hardwoods.
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
Spanish Elm is typically encountered in straight-grained dimensional stock rather than figured slabs. When cataloging, note the uniform grain, medium brown coloration, and confirmed Caribbean origin if applicable. Because the species also grows outside the Caribbean, documented provenance strengthens collector value.
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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.
Related Tools & Products:
• 3M XtractNet Hook and Loop Sanding Disc Multi-Pack for virtually dust-free sanding and fine surface finishing
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• 3M P100 Respirator Cartridge and Filter Set for protection against dust, organic vapors, and airborne particles during woodworking and finishing
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• FONAROLL Microfiber Wax Applicator Pads for applying waxes, oils, and fine wood finishes evenly across surfaces
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