Bastogne walnut tree harvested from Meridian CA due to the trees proximity to high voltage power lines and failing health. This species of walnut was first discovered and then cultivated by Luther Burbank 1849 – 1926 at his outdoor laboratory located in Santa Rosa, California. Bastogne walnut occurs when Juglans regia (English walnut) pollinates Juglans hindsii (Claro walnut). Bastogne has a greater density (hardness) than English or Claro and machines beautifully. The color displayed in a Bastogne walnut log can vary from tree to tree and often exhibits exceptional figure. Bastogne walnut is very stable when air dried.

There were 6 trunks growing from a single stem on the bastogne walnut tree pictured on this page and measured 26 feet in circumference at ground level. My friend Michael Henwood made the 360 degree cut at the base of the trunk. Michael, aka the woodnut used a Stihl 090 chainsaw to break down the log into smaller sections for transporting to our sawmill located in Grass Valley, California.

This rare species of walnut was milled for the manufacture of musical instruments; custom furniture; restocking of collectible firearms and high-end accessories.

Next: Milling and Drying