Claro walnut (Juglans hindsii) is a favorite for the manufacture of musical instruments, pistol grips, knife scales, jewelry boxes and collectible firearms. Large stands of mature Claro walnut trees were first discovered growing in the following three locations in northern California:
- The valley of Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County.
- The banks of the Sacramento River, particularly at Walnut Grove.
- The Wooden Valley east of Napa.
It was from these original groves in the late 1800’s the famous pioneer John Bidwell began propagating California Claro Walnut at his Rancho Chico Nursery in Chico California.