Difference Between Spring wood And Autumn Wood (With Pictures)

What Is Springwood?

In the spring season, cambium is very active and produces a large number of xylem elements having vessels with wider cavities. It produces a large number of xylem elements. This xylem contains bigger and several pores which are regularly xylem vessels with wider opening and lumens. The lumens are having fewer fibers content and it grows radically with wide deepness. The wood formed during this season is called spring wood or earlywood. This wood is lighter in color. This wood has a lesser thickness in a tree. This wood is present at the beginning of the annual ring. Xylem fibers are present less in number in spring wood.

Characteristics Of Springwood

• It is also referred to as early wood.
• It is produced during the favorable period of the year.
• Spring wood is present in the beginning of an annual ring.
• Forms plenty of xylem vessels with wider cavities.
• The wood is lighter in color.
• The tracheary elements are comparatively less thickened.
• Fibres are fewer.
• It has a lower density.

What Is Autumn Wood?

In winter, the cambium is less active and forms fewer xylem elements that have narrow vessels, and this wood is called autumn wood or late wood. It produces a less number of xylem elements. Xylem fibers are present abundant in number in an autumn wood. This wood has a higher thickness of the wood. This wood is darker in color. Autumn wood comprises a slight narrow piece in the annual ring as it finishes the annual ring.

The spring wood is lighter in color and has a lower density whereas the autumn wood is darker and has a higher density. The two kinds of woods that appear as alternate concentric rings, constitute an annual ring. Annual rings are seen in a cut stem give an estimate of the age of the tree. This wood is present at the end of the annual ring.

Characteristics Of  Autumn Wood

• It is also referred to as late wood.
• It is formed towards the close of the active growing period of the year just before the arrival of unfavorable period.
• Autumn wood is present at the end of an annual ring.
• The cavities of xylem vessels are narrower.
• The wood is darker in color.
• The tracheary elements are comparatively more thickened.
• Fibres are abundant.
• It has a higher density.

Difference Between Springwood And Autumn Wood In Tabular Form