Often completely black, with little or no discernible grain. Occasionally slightly lighter, with a dark brown or purplish hue. The pale-yellow sapwood is usually very thin and is clearly demarcated from the darker heartwood. Grain is typically straight; fine, even texture and good natural luster. Heartwood is rated as very durable in regard to decay resistance, though only moderately resistant to insects/borers. The lighter colored sapwood is commonly attacked by powder-post beetles and other borers.
