Pure White if Dried Quickly
Holly lumber is a shockingly pure white in color with almost no visible grain. But it stains quickly if not felled, sawn and dried in the same day. Moreover kiln drying it can be tricky to keep it white. It also has a lot of significance and lore surrounding it that makes it a central part of the Christmas sacred traditions as well as waaaaay back in history as a symbol of life and protection.
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Featured Species: Holly
Ilex opaca or Holly is a pure white wood that is used primarily for inlay and small turned items. Due to the smaller tree size you won't find Holly lumber in larger boards. Frankly with its lack of grain it will always be more of a highlight species than a primary construction species.
The enzymes in Holly will cause it to stain quickly to blue and brown colors and must be felled in winter. It needs to be put in the kiln to dry within hours of sawing into boards. Finally kilns need to be raised slowly until the moisture content drops below 20% or staining can occur too.
Working Holly is a joy with a medium hardness and nearly total lack of grain direction. Its holds it white color even after oxidizing and under most finishes. It can be dyed beautifully and it can often be found in piano keys dyed black.
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