Basswood Firewood

Basswood, also known as American linden, is a funny one. It's technically a hardwood, but it sure doesn't burn like one. At 13.7 million BTU per cord, it puts out less heat than most softwoods on this site. The dry weight of 2,210 lbs. tells the story. This is light, soft, low-density wood that happens to come from a broadleaf tree.

The heat numbers are what they are. For context, red oak throws about 24 million BTU per cord. Basswood gives you barely more than half that. You will absolutely go through it fast. Measure out your cords with the cord calculator before the season starts, because if basswood is your main fuel, you'll need a lot more than you think.

The upside? Basswood might be the easiest-splitting firewood that exists. I'm not exaggerating. A sharp maul sinks through it like the wood isn't even there. The rounds are light even green at 4,404 lbs. per cord, that's a lot of moisture for how light the dry wood is. Few sparks and a pleasant, slightly sweet fragrance when it burns. Nice enough.

Get it split and stacked right away because that green weight is almost double the dry weight. Six to twelve months of seasoning and you're good. Basswood dries out fast once you give it some air, but it can also rot quickly if you leave it sitting in the rain.

Basswood is kindling wood, campfire wood, and shoulder-season wood. It catches fast, burns easy, and smells decent, just don't count on it for real heat. Similar story to Quaking Aspen firewood, which is another "hardwood" that burns more like a softwood. Good for getting a fire started, then throw something heavier on top.