Common Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Very fine, uniform, and straight-grained with a remarkably even texture; growth rings are typically indistinct or very narrow due to slow growth.
Color Description
Commonly a uniform pale yellow to light cream color. Heartwood and sapwood are not clearly distinct. It shows little luster but can be polished to a high sheen; color tends to deepen slightly to a more amber hue with age.
Hardness Rating
2,840 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and not recommended for exterior use where rot could occur.
Common Uses
Wood engraving, chess pieces, musical instruments (flutes and recorders), tool handles, inlay, cabinetry accents, and woodturning.
Geographic Origin
Europe, Northwest Africa, and Southwest Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 per board foot (commonly sold by weight or in small turning blanks due to small tree size).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a small diameter branch or slow-growing stem, likely 10-25 years old based on the density of visible rings in the small cross-section.
Sustainability Status
IUCN status: Least Concern. Not listed in CITES appendices but slow growth makes it a premium, limited resource.
Workability
Excellent for fine detail work; it is dense and works very much like ivory. It can be difficult to saw but finishes exceptionally smooth. It glues and stains well.
Notable Features
Distinctive slightly unpleasant odor when being worked; known for its extreme density and fine texture which allows for the finest wood engraving of any species.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to fine sanding and buffing with wax or shellac; clear oils enhance the natural yellow tone without obscuring the grain.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the yellowish color, circular end-grain profile of a small branch, and extremely fine pore structure are classic indicators of Buxus species.