Huangyang - Boxwood Boxwood is very durable and its fine even texture makes it especially suitable for carving. Numerous varieties, which all produce material of similar characteristics, are widely distributed throughout China. The sapwood and heartwood of boxwood are indistinguishable, and their freshly cut pale-yellow color turns to a warm brownish-yellow tone after exposure. The grain is usually very straight, but can also be irregular. Because of its extremely small vessel cells, the texture is exceptionally smooth and fine, and the surface polishes to a silky luster.