Ironwood refers to various dense and hard types of wood that are renowned for their extreme toughness and durability, deriving from different species depending on the region. Commonly, the term is used for wood from the Olneya tesota, found predominantly in the Sonoran Desert, though it is also attributed to trees in other parts of the world, such as the hornbeam in North America and Europe, and the Australian species Eucalyptus sideroxylon.
Ironwood is characteristically heavy, so dense that it sinks in water, and it possesses a very fine texture that polishes well, making it ideal for specialty wood items like furniture, tool handles, and decorative carvings.
The scent profile of ironwood is generally subtle but can be described as mildly earthy and woody. Some varieties may emit a faintly sweet or slightly spicy aroma when freshly cut. However, due to its density and oil content, the scent is not as pronounced as in more aromatic woods like cedar or pine. This discreet fragrance makes ironwood suitable for applications where a strong wood scent is not desirable.