I made this natural edge decorative bowl from a Kentucky Boxelder tree.  This tree was the first tree I cut down on my property in Kentucky.  In the spring of 2025, we had a pretty strong bout of wind that took down several trees in the woods and the top of the hill.  Sadly, the wind seriously damaged a good sized boxelder tree just outside my back door.

As I cleaned up branches from this tree, I discovered quite a bit of rot and determined it was not safe to leave it standing. So, I decided I needed to cut the rest of it down. As I cut it up, I discovered a lot of beautiful coloring inside the otherwise plain white wood.  It had reds and yellows throughout. This coloration is known as Flame Boxelder.

Beetles and/or a fungus cause the beautiful flame coloration.  The theory is that beetles attack the tree and introduce the fungus.  The fungus is what turns the white wood red.  Physical stress (such as a wire wrapped around the tree) may also cause the flame coloring.

The beautiful flame coloring really makes this bowl stand out.  Typically, the flame colors will fade over time to a soft brown color.  Thus far the reds and yellows have stayed consistent in the bowls I have turned from this tree.  It has been at least 10 months since I rough turned these bowls.  These Flame Boxelder bowls definitely need to stay out of direct sunlight.

Since I left the beetle/worm holes in the bottom of this large, natural edge decorative bowl, using this as a food bowl is not recommended.  It is an eye catching, gallery quality piece.  It is a perfect piece to showcase.  I finished this bowl with lacquer that has UV protectant qualities and is non-toxic when fully cured.

Measurements – 12in diameter x 5in depth

Weight – 1lb 12oz