Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a popular ornamental tree, known for its vibrant summer flowers and attractive, peeling bark. Although it is common and visually appealing, its worth is highly specialized and not comparable to commercial lumber like oak or maple. The wood is technically a hardwood, but its size and growth habit prevent it from entering the standard timber market. Its actual value is realized only in niche, artistic applications that utilize its unique physical characteristics.
Physical Properties and Commercial Limitations
Crepe Myrtle wood possesses a fine, dense grain, classifying it as a hardwood with a specific gravity typically ranging from 0.45 to 0.55. This density provides good resistance to decay and insect damage, making it durable for certain uses. However, the tree’s natural growth habit severely limits its commercial potential for dimensional lumber.
The species commonly grows in a multi-stemmed form, and trunks rarely achieve a straight, long length. Usable pieces seldom exceed 6 to 8 inches in diameter, and finding a straight section longer than a few feet is difficult. This small diameter and irregular grain make it impossible to mill standard planks or beams.
A major obstacle is the wood’s high propensity for cracking and splitting during drying. The wood must be sealed immediately after cutting to slow moisture loss, or it will quickly check and split apart. This instability, combined with the lack of large, straight pieces, prevents its use in high-volume, traditional woodworking industries.
Specialty Applications and Realized Value
The value of Crepe Myrtle wood is unlocked by artisans who focus on small, unique projects. Woodturning is a primary application, as the wood’s fine texture and ability to take a high polish make it desirable for small vessels, bottle stoppers, and pen blanks. Its smooth grain also allows for intricate detail in wood carving and inlay work.
The wood is also sought after for crafting durable, small items like tool handles, canes, and knife scales due to its hardness and stability once dried. The heartwood coloration ranges from pale white or light pink to reddish-brown, often displaying a mottled or marbled figure. Highly figured pieces, such as those exhibiting “fiddleback” grain or rare burls, command a significant premium.
These aesthetic qualities and durability in small dimensions drive its appeal among craftsmen who prioritize figure and finish over size. The perceived value shifts from a volume commodity to a specialized art material.
Market Pricing and Valuation Factors
Crepe Myrtle wood is not sold by the board foot, the standard measurement for commercial lumber, due to its dimensional limitations. Instead, it is typically sold by the piece, by weight for rough stock, or as pre-cut, specialized blanks. These forms, such as pen blanks, bowl blanks, and carving stock, reflect the wood’s primary uses.
The final price is heavily influenced by three valuation factors.
Size and Diameter
Pieces with the largest possible diameter, such as those approaching 10 to 12 inches, command the highest prices due to their scarcity.
Condition and Processing
The condition of the wood is a major factor; properly dried and stabilized blanks that are crack-free are worth much more than green wood that requires careful processing.
Figure and Coloration
The presence of rare figure or coloration significantly increases the price, with “exhibition” grade pieces being the most valuable.
Due to the difficulty in sourcing and processing usable material, Crepe Myrtle is often priced similarly to some exotic hardwoods, reflecting its scarcity in usable dimensions rather than its overall rarity as a tree.