Abstract: A new form of steel wood composite column is proposed. The composite column is wrapped around the cross steel bone, and the steel and wood are connected by bolting or welding flanges. 12 composite columns are tested under axial compression loads, and working mechanism and failure mode of steel wood composite column are studied. Meanwhile, the influences of steel thickness, slenderness ratio and bolt spacing on the axial bearing capacity are discussed. The test results show that the steel bone is mainly subjected to axial pressure, and the timber can provide certain buckling restraint to avoid steel buckling; the thickness of steel is the main factor for bearing capacity; the slenderness ratio of steel is greater than 5.5, and the effect of timber restraint is obvious; the bolt spacing has little effect on bearing capacity. Through the comparative analysis of finite element simulation and experiment data, the agreement is good. It can provide reference for the subsequent research on steel timber composite structures.