It’s also known for its ability to make patterns without an opponent.

Xylaria polymorpha, or “dead man’s finger,” is one of the most common line-creating fungi out there, spalting wood the world over. Some fungi create these lines on their own. These battle lines are the patterns you see in our spalted maple. When these fungi cross paths, they may raise barriers of sorts to protect themselves from the other fungi, or two fungi may fight for dominance. They are known as “zone lines” because they are typically created when two or more fungi meet in the wood. These lines are created by fungi in the early stages of the natural decomposition process. However, it can add incredible beauty to furniture, guitars, and of course, boards and bowls.Īll spalted maple is created by fungi, but how do fungi create those line patterns in wood? Spalted wood shouldn’t be used for load-bearing purposes. It’s most often found in maple, beech, and birch. Spalting typically occurs in hardwoods, but can be found in softwoods, too. We work with spalted maple, but spalting can occur in any wood species. Fear not, our spalted wood pieces are 100% food safe.ĭepending on the conditions and fungi species involved, the spalting process can color wood, bleach it, or create patterns of winding lines. The fact that fungi are involved in the spalting process might make some folks pause. It’s also possible to recreate the natural conditions that lead to spalting on your own, to get the same results. Spalting sometimes occurs in living trees that are under stress. This most commonly happens during the early stages of decomposition in fallen logs. Spalting is a process in which fungi alter the appearance of wood. In this post, we’re going to dig deep into exactly what spalted maple wood is and how it’s created. Our customers often ask us how these patterns are formed in nature. Our one-of-a-kind spalted maple pieces are known for their gorgeous, meandering lines reminiscent of an antique map or a child’s drawing. We use spalted maple to create some of our most beautiful boards, bowls, and tossers.

Spalted maple charcuterie board