Wood Species Guide
Tasmanian Myrtle
Nothofagus cunninghamii
Also called: Myrtle Beech, Tasmanian Beech, Southern Beech, Myrtle (Australian name, shared)
About the name “Tasmanian Myrtle”
In Australia this tree is simply called myrtle, but it is a southern beech, not a true myrtle. It is also unrelated to Oregon myrtle (California bay laurel), which is sold in the US as myrtlewood.
What Tasmanian Myrtle looks like
Heartwood is a warm salmon pink to reddish brown, and the sapwood is pale pink. Figured and burl pieces can show tiger stripes, fiddleback and darker streaks.
Grain and texture
Usually straight grain, sometimes wavy, with a fine, even texture and a soft luster.
Working Tasmanian Myrtle: planing, cutting and gluing
Machines, carves and turns well and sands to a silky surface. Figured stock can tear out, so finish with light passes or a scraper. Glues well.
Finishing Tasmanian Myrtle: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil and film finishes beautifully and the pink tones deepen to a richer red-brown with light. The fine grain seals easily before epoxy. Burl pieces with voids should get a seal coat first to limit bubbles.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Not durable outdoors and susceptible to insects, so keep it inside. It is fairly stable once dry. In Florida, acclimate it in air conditioning and finish all sides.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Tasmanian myrtle is a lovely, fine-grained wood that is rarely seen in the US, mostly as turning blanks, burl and figured boards. The fiddleback pieces make striking box lids and small tabletops. Treat it like a fine cherry or beech. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Tasmanian Myrtle
Furniture, flooring, veneer, turnings, carving, boxes and boatbuilding.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Supply in Tasmania is limited and much of it comes from managed or salvage harvests.
Safety and toxicity
- Respiratory / asthma
Few reports. Nose and throat irritation from the dust is the only reaction noted.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Good choice for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Irritation of the nose and throat from the dust has been reported. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.
Tasmanian Myrtle in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Tasmanian Myrtle listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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