Most likely young Black Walnut; alternatives include hickory or ash.
Juglans nigra (probable) · Hardwood
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America, especially the Midwest and Appalachians.
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf Janka; Medium.
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; heartwood has useful decay resistance, while sapwood is considerably less resistant to insects and rot.
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Grain Pattern
Visible bark and exterior only; likely straight to mildly irregular grain, with no assessable figure or cut orientation.
Color & Appearance
Bark is gray-brown and fissured; interior heartwood color cannot be judged from this image. Black walnut heartwood typically ages from gray-brown to rich chocolate brown.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf Janka; Medium.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; heartwood has useful decay resistance, while sapwood is considerably less resistant to insects and rot.
Value & Age
Approximately $6–$15 per board foot for ordinary kiln-dried walnut; this small branch has little commercial value.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The branch appears recently cut or weathered only briefly; the tree’s biological age cannot be estimated from the photograph.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, gunstocks, turning, veneer, and carving.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the Midwest and Appalachians.
Workability
Generally machines, sands, glues, and finishes well; knots, reaction wood, and irregular grain can cause tear-out and movement.
Finish Recommendations
Air- or kiln-dry thoroughly, then use wiping oil, shellac, lacquer, or polyurethane; seal end grain to limit checking.
Notable Features
Walnut is comparatively heavy, stable, and often shows attractive dark heartwood and occasional curl or crotch figure.