Claro Walnut

[Juglans hindsii]

One of the truly iconic California woods, Claro Walnut trees grow rapidly in the favorable climate of the American Northwest. In fact, it’s not unusual to find a four-foot diameter Claro Walnut tree that isn’t even 100 years old — with growth rings in excess of an inch wide.

Absolutely captivating, the heartwood of this amazing wood ranges from light to chocolate brown, with subtle streaks of grey, purple, and red — sometimes there are even light golden markings that give it even more character. A perfect counter balance is its nearly white sapwood. The grain of Claro Walnut has a medium texture with a moderate, natural luster. And while usually straight, it can sometimes be wavy with a beautiful “fiddle back” figure throughout.

Specifically, Quarter Cut Claro Walnut makes an exceptional choice for a wildly-colored and highly-figured type of walnut.

A stunning, eye-catching wood, Claro Walnut is an elite choice for high-end veneer, architectural panels, millwork, cabinetry, doors, furniture, gunstocks, musical instruments – especially guitars – and even yacht, aircraft, and automotive interiors.

Species Distribution:

American Northwest
California
Oregon
Washington

Common / Alternative Names:

California Black Walnut
California Walnut
West Coast Black Walnut
Flamed Walnut
Figured Walnut
West Coast Walnut

Janka Hardness:

1,130 lbf

Sustainability Status:

CITES Appendices: Not listed
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Listed as vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range. Although Claro Walnut is widely grown on orchards, its natural range has been diminished and fragmented.

Related Species:

Bastogne Walnut (Juglans x paradox)
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Butternut (Juglans cinerea)
English Walnut (Juglans regia)
Peruvian Walnut (Juglans spp.)

See It In Use