Wild Cherry (likely Black Cherry)
Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine grain with subtle cathedral figuring in the bowl curvature and visible growth rings
Color Description
Heartwood is light pinkish-brown to medium reddish-brown, darkening to a deep rusty red with age and light exposure; yellowish sapwood
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to heartwood decay; light resistance to insects
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, kitchen utensils (spoons, bowls), turning, and small specialty wood items
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and region
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; the oxidation indicates the sample is between 1-5 years post-finishing
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable
Workability
Excellent; one of the best for machining and carving, though prone to burning with high-speed power tools; sands very smooth
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, bittersweet scent when being worked; contains natural oils that react well to hand friction
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or walnut oil for utensils; polyurethane or lacquer for furniture to prevent further darkening
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown patina, fine grain texture, and specific use in a hand-carved spoon are classic hallmarks of Cherry