Unique “tree spirit” face is carved into a Madrona (Arbutus menziesii) wood candle stand. Beautiful wormwood figuring throughout. Heavy for it’s size, solid Madrona wood. 10.5 x 4 x 4, $135. Signed and dated.

Arbutus is a genus of 12 accepted species of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae, native to temperate regions of the Mediterranean, western Europe, the Canary Islands and North America, and commonly called madrones or strawberry trees.

Madrona burl is highly prized as a decorative veneer, while Madrona lumber is a very dense and finely-grained hardwood that’s similar in appearance to fruitwoods. The wood burns long and hot, and as a result it is also used for firewood and charcoal.

Madrone’s botanical species name, menziesii, is in honor of Scottish botanist Archibald Menzies, who discovered the tree in 1792.