BASTOGNE WALNUT
Common Name(s): Bastogne Walnut, Paradox
Scientific Name: Juglans x paradox (J. hindsii x J. regia)
Distribution: California
Janka Hardness: 1,250
Color/Appearance: Heartwood colors can vary from lighter golden yellow to reddish brown, sometimes with darker brown to nearly black streaks. Paler sapwood isn’t always sharly demarcated from the heartwood. Curly or rippled grain is also seen on some sections.
Grain/Texture: Grain is usually straight, but can be irregular. Has a medium texture and moderate natural luster.
Endgrain: Semi-ring-porous; large earlywood pores grading to medium latewood pores, few; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; tyloses occasionally to abundantly present; growth rings distinct; medium rays barely visible without lens, normal spacing; parenchyma diffuse-in-aggregates (sometimes very faint and barely visible even with lens) and banded (marginal).
Rot Resistance: No data available, but most likely at least moderately durable to very durable, matching the durability of the parent species (J. regia and J. hindsii).
Workability: Typically easy to work provided the grain is straight and regular. Planer tearout can sometimes be a problem when surfacing pieces with irregular or figured grain. Glues, stains, and finishes well, (though walnut is rarely stained).
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Common Uses: Gunstocks, veneer, fine furniture, turned objects, musical instruments (guitars), knife handles, and other small specialty items.