Karamatsu

The color of heartwood is bronze. Although it is relatively pale when the tree is young, it gets darker as the tree matures. Sapwood is yellowish white. The substantial difference in shapes of cells formed from spring to summer results in clearly understandable annual rings, thus the texture is rough. Specific gravity in air-dry ranges from 0.40 to 0.60, (0.50 in average), being one of heavy-duty softwood lumbers. Natural Karamatsu which grow older and slower is called "Ten-Kara", and it is highly evaluated in contrast to young trees planted and it is traded at a high price as a precious wood. Heartwood has moderate preservatory quality.

Karamatsu is a durable species that is used as a utility pole or pile. It used to be that it is difficult to use it as a sawmill, but due to recent progress in utilizing and wood processing technologies, etc., products that make use of the strength of the lumber have become available and are actively used. Karamatsu is used for building, public work, dunnage, pallet, furniture, and packing. Karamatsu plywood have been increasing recently. In addition, Karamatsu is resistant to decay and has moderate elasticity, so it is also used for guardrails and the like.