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Ambrosia maple is maple lumber marked by tapered, oblong color streaks that run with the grain. The pattern is associated with ambrosia beetle activity and fungal growth, and it can range from subtle to dense. “Ambrosia beetle” refers to multiple beetle types, not one species.
What is ambrosia maple?
“Ambrosia” is commonly used for eastern red and silver maple lumber with color streaks associated with ambrosia beetle infestation. The name describes a figure in the wood, not a separate maple species. WOOD Magazine’s article, updated January 15, 2025, explains that the beetles bore into trees and deposit a fungal symbiont. The fungus breaks down wood into a compound the larvae can eat.
Ambrosia beetles usually infest dead or dying trees. They may enter through a broken branch or another injury. Because the term covers multiple beetle types, affected trees and boards do not all look alike.
What does ambrosia maple look like?
WOOD Magazine describes the characteristic figure as “a tapered, oblong shape running with the grain, and usually a grayish color.” Streaks can be mild or dense, so the visual effect varies from board to board.
#1 Best Overall
- Wood Name: Ambrosia maple, wormy maple
- Botanical Name: Acer spp
- Length: Available in 12 to 48 inches
- Width: 4 inches
- Thickness: 3/4 inches
- Shape: tapered and oblong rather than a uniform band.
- Direction: runs with the grain.
- Color: usually grayish, though the source does not specify a fixed shade.
- Density: may be subtle or prominent.
“Ghost maple” is another name for ambrosia maple; the name refers to the look of the stains and larval tunnels. Ambrosia stains can also appear in curly and burl maple, so the figure is not confined to plain-looking maple lumber.
How should you assess ambrosia maple lumber?
When choosing a board, judge the individual piece rather than relying on the label alone. Compare how dense the streaks are, their color and shape, and how they follow the grain. Also note whether the board has curly or burl figure in addition to the ambrosia pattern. A supplier’s listing images can help, but inspecting the specific board is the clearest way to see how its figure is distributed.
Rank #2
- Wood Name: Ambrosia maple, wormy maple
- Botanical Name: Acer spp.
- Length: Available in 12 to 48 inches
- Width: 4 inches
- Thickness: 3/4 inches
The cited article does not establish a grading scale, durability difference, price premium, or performance ranking for ambrosia maple. Treat figure as a visual characteristic, not evidence by itself of a particular structural or woodworking performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where is ambrosia figure found?
WOOD Magazine says infested trees are more prevalent in warmer areas and describes incidence as declining in northern Pennsylvania and New York. This is a qualitative regional observation, not a percentage or a guarantee about any particular tree or board.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Best Hardwood From Exotic Wood Zone
- Wood Name: Ambrosia Maple
- Botanical Name: Acer saccharum
- Length: Available in 12 to 48 inches
- Width: Available in 1-1/2 to 6 inches
Rank #4
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Rank #3
- Best Hardwood From Exotic Wood Zone
- Wood Name: Ambrosia Maple
- Botanical Name: Acer saccharum
- Length: Available in 12 to 48 inches
- Width: Available in 1-1/2 to 6 inches
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