Location, soil quality, precipitation ,elevation etc definitely factors in the suitability or grain density and character of the wood. Aren't Burls some sort of "immune response" or somesuch by the tree to a fungus?
There are some truly old growth Oaks south of me in old graveyards, and they are impressive. The branch diameter (and length) dwarf any whole trees I've seen elsewhere. A mature prarie/grassland forest must have been really something to see. They were sometimes described as open "parks" with bowling green flat grasses and huge trees hundreds of years old. I'd expect under difficult growing conditions the wood, ah, would be extremely dense and close grained. I was told growing up that once World War 2 got going decent dimensional lumber became difficult to get, quality declined and it wasn't properly kiln dried. The situation has steadily declined since then. I've often marveled at the high quality clear timber in joists and flooring and general carpentry materials in pre war homes. That type of wood simply isn't available anymore.
Here's another one I haven't heard mentioned - How about Redwood? It was a popular timber species for siding, pretty light, splits easy, rot resistance. Maybe? Somebody had to try it at some point.
