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Violet wood tree12/19/2023 Blooming in spring, a variety of Hymenoptera, such as sweat bees and mason bees, emerge from the ground and other nesting sites to feed upon the nectar violets supply. In addition to rhizomes, they employ multiple schemes for spreading, each strategy aiding in the support of pollinators. They are so irrepressible they can even grow under black walnut trees. These evolved to help protect them from some predators, but the leaf's coating has also proven to deter over-the-counter herbicides. Their waxy, heart-shaped leaves add to their toughness. They spread by underground rhizomes and can form resilient vegetative colonies. While this characteristic makes them a good candidate for groundcovers, violets have been known to choke out other plants. Violets are notorious for spreading everywhere, especially when they are happy. Ironically, some of their positive attributes are posed to mark them as criminals in the monoculture of the suburban lawn. They are vigorous and form dense mounding clumps approximately 5 to 7 inches from the ground. Violets, however, work in many challenging landscape conditions. There is wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens), partridgeberry ( Mitchella repens), various mosses, and perhaps princess pine ( Lycopodium obscurum) if the situation is just right. If attempting to grow a groundcover native to Pennsylvania, where possibilities are limited, consider violets. But contrary to their reputation, violets do have their virtues. In addition to its coloration, purpleheart has excellent strength and weathering properties, and can be used in applications where strength or durability is important-a wood with both form and function." What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered." Ralph Waldo Emersonįor years, advocates of lawns and turfs have targeted the violet Viola as a noxious weed. gracilipes are both listed as endangered due to a small (less than 500 km 2) and fragmented area of occupancy.Ĭommon Uses: Inlays/accent pieces, flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, heavy construction, and a variety of specialty wood items.Ĭomments: Sometimes called amaranth, this colorful Latin American hardwood is tremendously popular for furniture and other designs that call for a unique splash of color. Many other species are listed as being of least concern. Some of the more commonly harvested Peltogyne species, such as P. However, since purpleheart is a grouping of many species, its unclear if any given lumber is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices. Prices are in the low to medium range for an imported hardwood. Pricing/Availability: Widely available as lumber in good widths and thicknesses. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation, as well as nausea. Odor:Varies depending upon the species: most species have no characteristic odor, though some species can have a pungent scent.Īllergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, purpleheart has been reported as a sensitizer. Purpleheart also has a moderate dulling effect on cutters. Depending on the grain orientation, can be difficult to plane without tearout. Workability: Working with purpleheart can present some unique challenges: if the wood is heated with dull tools, or if cutter speeds are too high, purpleheart will exude a gummy resin that can clog tools and complicate the machining process. Rot Resistance:Purpleheart is rated as being very durable, and resists both decay and most insect attacks, though it has been reported to be susceptible to attack from marine borers. Has a medium texture with good natural luster. Grain/Texture:The grain is usually straight, but can also be wavy or irregular. For more information, see the article Preventing Color Changes in Exotic Woods. This color-shift can be slowed and minimized by using a UV inhibiting finish on the wood. With further age and exposure to UV light, the wood becomes a dark brown with a hint of purple. Upon exposure-usually within a few days-the wood becomes a deeper eggplant purple. Color/Appearance: When freshly cut the heartwood of purpleheart can be a dull grayish/purplish brown.
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