The Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a familiar ornamental shrub or small tree in warm climates. It is primarily valued for its vibrant summer blooms and attractive, peeling winter bark. Because its value is overwhelmingly aesthetic, the wood is rarely commercially harvested for traditional purposes. This leads many to question its practical use once the plant is pruned or removed.
Unique Physical Characteristics of Crepe Myrtle Wood
The growth habit of the Crepe Myrtle limits its use as conventional lumber. It typically grows as a multi-trunked shrub, producing pieces that are small, crooked, and lack the long, straight sections needed for construction. This irregular shape prevents its commercialization for large projects.
Despite size limitations, the wood is classified as a medium-hard hardwood, with American varieties exhibiting a density of 0.45 to 0.55. It features a fine to medium texture with a distinct, interlocking grain pattern. The heartwood color ranges from pale cream to attractive reddish-brown hues, often enhanced by a natural luster.
Many pieces exhibit a highly figured grain, often displaying a wavy pattern known as fiddleback. While prized for small, artistic uses, the density makes it challenging to work with hand tools once fully dry. It is also prone to splitting, making it unsuitable for structural items that need to withstand high stress.
Assessment for Firewood and Smoking
The wood’s density and hardwood classification mean it offers a moderate heat output, making it a viable option for residential heating or campfires. Crepe Myrtle wood provides approximately 23.8 million BTUs per cord, comparable to common hardwoods such as red oak and white ash. This heat efficiency makes it a practical choice for burning trimmings from one’s own landscape.
The wood burns hot and fast, proving useful for starting fires, but it produces poor coals that do not last as long as denser varieties like hickory. Proper seasoning is important, as freshly cut wood tends to produce excessive smoke. Once fully dried, it burns cleaner and poses no unusual risk of creosote buildup in a chimney.
Crepe Myrtle wood is considered safe and non-toxic for smoking meats. It imparts a subtle, slightly sweet, and spicy fragrance to food. Although its flavor profile is not as intense as traditional smoking woods like mesquite or apple, it offers a pleasant, mild smoke flavor suitable for poultry or pork.
Utility in Crafting and Small Projects
The aesthetically pleasing qualities of Crepe Myrtle wood make it highly sought after for non-structural, artistic applications. Its fine grain and ability to take a smooth finish are well-suited for intricate designs and detailed work. Small-scale projects, such as decorative boxes, jewelry, or inlays, benefit from the wood’s beautiful coloring and texture.
The wood is particularly popular among woodturners, as size limitations are less of a constraint. Small bowls, spindles, and specialty handles can be crafted from irregular pieces of the trunk and branches. The presence of fiddleback figure adds significant visual depth and character to turned objects.
Woodcarvers also appreciate the fine texture, though the wood’s hardness when dry requires sharp tools and careful technique. Its natural durability makes it a good material for small outdoor decorative items. Additionally, wood waste from pruning can be processed into mulch, providing a practical way to reuse the material directly in the landscape.
The Verdict on Practical Value
Crepe Myrtle wood possesses a distinct practical value, even though it does not compete in the commercial lumber market due to its limited size and irregular shape. Its most significant utility lies in its use as a moderate-BTU firewood, offering a viable and locally sourced heat option for homeowners.
The wood’s attractive grain structure, fine texture, and reddish hues give it high standing among craftspeople. It is a prized material for woodturning and small carving projects where its unique figure can be showcased. Ultimately, Crepe Myrtle wood is good for burning and for creating beautiful, small-scale decorative objects.