Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and figured; includes wild grain, crotch figure, burl clusters, and wavy/curly patterns due to the bowl-turning process cross-cutting different grain orientations.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. This sample shows high chatoyance (luster) and will likely lighten slightly and take on a more golden-brown hue over decades.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and high-end turned items like bowls.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $20.00 per board foot for high-figure or turning-grade stock.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood itself likely came from a tree 50-80 years old; the finished bowl appears relatively modern (less than 10 years old) based on the crisp edges and lack of significant oxidation or surface wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available within its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though figured areas (like those seen here) are prone to grain tearout during planing or turning. Gluing and finishing are excellent.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability and high strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Food-safe mineral oil or beeswax for a utility bowl; wiping varnish or shellac to maximize chatoyance and grain depth for decorative use.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate tones combined with the specific 'curly' and 'crotch' figure orientations are highly characteristic of North American Black Walnut, specifically a section taken from a branch junction or root crown.