Maple Burl (Boxelder or Bigleaf Maple variant)
Acer negundo (Boxelder) or Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple) • Exotic/Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Burl figure with extensive bird's-eye-like clusters, highly irregular and interlocked grain with significant voids and bark inclusions
Color Description
Pale cream-colored heartwood and sapwood with distinct purplish-to-pink highlights, possibly from fungal staining (Fusarium reticulatum). Low natural luster, tends to yellow slightly over time.
Hardness Rating
720 lbf to 850 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; very susceptible to rot and insect attack if not stabilized or kept indoors.
Common Uses
Woodturning, knife handles, furniture inlays, decorative veneers, and small ornamental gift items (pens, bowls).
Geographic Origin
North America (Central and Eastern regions for Boxelder; Pacific Northwest for Bigleaf).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 to $60.00 per board foot depending on the density of figure and presence of color.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent harvest (less than 5 years) indicated by the brightness of the purple staining and lack of deep oxidation on the pale surfaces.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES regulated.
Workability
Difficult due to highly irregular grain. Prone to tearout during planing. Sanding and sharp tools are required. Often requires resin stabilization to handle voids and soft spots.
Notable Features
Features characteristic 'flame' or purple staining often associated with specific beetle damage or fungal infection in Boxelder. Bark inclusions are common.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or drying oils (Tung, Linseed) to enhance figure; clear film finishes (lacquer/polyurethane) are recommended to preserve the purple color.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of small burl eyes, pale white base wood, and distinct purple-hued staining is unique to Boxelder (Acer negundo) burls.