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BUCKTHORN

Rhamnus spp.
My references show at least a dozen Rhamnus species that have the common name buckthorn, with such characterization words as alpine, California, common, European, glossy, island, etc.

Because this wood is not available in lumber form, I am not taking the time to expound on the botanical/common names.

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my samples:

a 5" diameter log contributed to the site by Lyle Solem, whom I thank. I have slabed it and there are more pics below. Buckthorn is mostly of interest to carvers and turners, since it is not generally produced as lumber because of the small size of the tree.

Lyle tells me that the crack in this log is typical --- it's a difficult wood to dry well.

The ends are rough cut with a bandsaw and the log has been drying for about a year.


a log and both ends


plank and end grain --- this piece cut from the log above


end grain closeup of the piece directly above


two more sets of small planks cut from the same log

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The Wood Book pics

flat cut

quartersawn

end grain
buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana, also listed as bearberry, sacred-bark, shittim-wood, and wild cherry) from The Wood Book --- both levels of enlargement are avaiable for all 3 views

flat cut

quartersawn

end grain
island buckthorn (R. insularis, also listed as island bearwood) from The Wood Book --- both levels of enlargement are avaiable for all 3 views

flat cut

quartersawn

end grain
European buckthorn (R. cathartica, also listed as waythorn and common buckthorn) from The Wood Book --- both levels of enlargement are avaiable for all 3 views

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web pics


planks