Wood Question

[Rangertrek]

I was at a gun show this last weekend and a knife maker brought me a piece of wood and asked if I could make a pen. He did not know the species; but, described it as something from California, endangered species that could only be harvested if it burned and then you could did up the root.

The wood was dark red to brown, almost had a fish scale pattern.
Sorry, did not get a picture. My first thought was Manzinata?
Anyone have any ideas on this one?

 

[robersonjr]

Manzanita, grown on the west coast, above 10,00 ft. or colder climates.

 

[Marc]

Another possibility is old growth pinion pine. In the Sierras also. Manzanita cannot be dug up without permission if it is the National Forest land, but I don't think it is protected outside the national forest. Roots take a lot of labor to harvest but they are an awesome turn with a wide variety of colors on the inside.