I split out a wych elm a few weeks ago and it can have tangled grain but isn't too bad to split. The sapling was about fist thick and near 60 years old. But growing conditions mainly shade would account for this. Tends to be very little dark heartwood in any elm i get to play with.
Bark might give it away when stripping if it has very long fibers.
I agree that sometimes you need the material in your hands to remember what it is. Weight in the hand is a big indicator. Touchy feely works wonders
Bark might give it away when stripping if it has very long fibers.
I agree that sometimes you need the material in your hands to remember what it is. Weight in the hand is a big indicator. Touchy feely works wonders