Does anyone recognize this local timber?

[BentonTool]

Hello Brothers,
I recently harvested several pieces of a local "trash" brush that I have cleared as unwanted undergrowth for many years around the farmstead.
There was some of this growing on our church property that was larger than I had allowed it to grow, so I brought some home.
As it turns out, when turned, I found it to be amazingly dense, and takes a very high polish/sheen.
There are no visible pores, and it has many colors: white/ivory, tans, green, and browns.
I do not have any pics of the bush as harvested in winter, nor do I have any of it in leaf, but I will certainly photograph it in future, in order to attempt to identify it.
I am amazed at how well it turns, and how smooth it feels in the hand.
However, the pith is rather large, it checks badly, and has many inclusions.
It looks something like samples of Olive that I have see (?).

 

[Tris]

It looks very much like a Cotinus species but I'm not 100% about the bark. Over this side of the pond it's known as smoke bush or Venetian sumach

 

[BentonTool]

It looks very much like a Cotinus species but I'm not 100% about the bark. Over this side of the pond it's known as smoke bush or Venetian sumach

Do you know if anyone harvests this timber for small projects/woodturning?
I will look up the Cotinus to see if it grows locally.
Thank you, much appreciated...
P.S. I got the ferrule to fit better after taking the pics...

 

[Tris]

I've never seen it for sale as wood, usually only see the purple leaves one as a garden plant to about 12ft tall

 

[BentonTool]

I've never seen it for sale as wood, usually only see the purple leaves one as a garden plant to about 12ft tall

I looked it up on the net. Cotinus does not look like the wild underbrush growing around here.
I am looking forward to the Spring; when it leafs, I will more easily be able to ID it.
I was thinking that perhaps some of the local turners might have experience with this timber. Harvesting it for their personal use. I think it is far too small for commercial enterprises.
Thanks again.

 

[Tris]

Is it thorny on the young growth? White pea like flowers?

 

[Cabinetman]

It immediately made me think of Box, but the colours not quite right unless that’s the sapwood? I’m sure you know that Box is traditionally used for the best chisel handles.
The bark looks a reasonable match to this one too.
Re the pith, it’s normally split into 4 to avoid it.
https://easternleaf.com/bonsai-japanese-boxwood-bonsai-tree-p/800620-03.htm

 

[Tris]

Second guess is Black Locust, a weed tree in many parts of the US I gather. Suckers prolifically so can easily form thickets of scrub. Some years back there were experiments in growing it for lumber as a possible replacement for oak for framing but I don't know if they came to anything

 

[kinverkid]

Second guess is Black Locust, a weed tree in many parts of the US I gather. Suckers prolifically so can easily form thickets of scrub. Some years back there were experiments in growing it for lumber as a possible replacement for oak for framing but I don't know if they came to anything

My first thought was Robinia which shows my ignorance. I didn't know Robinia and Black Locust were of the same family. If it is Robinia, it also grows in the UK, especially around here by the river and canal where it can be quite invasive. I've turned several burr bowls from it. It should have a slightly waxy feel to it. Before the sun changes it to brown or cream the heartwood may have a slight green tinge. I left the burrs in storage for around ten years before turning. The woodworm had a field day with it all but in this instance, I think it added character.

 

[Cozzer]

I've never seen it for sale as wood, usually only see the purple leaves one as a garden plant to about 12ft tall

Got one in the garden. Shoots like a good 'un as soon as your back's turned.
Very distinctive smell when you (try to) cut it back to control it.
The smell is like something else that I can't think of.... acid drops, maybe? Can't remember, but no doubt I'll be out there with the secateurs in a few weeks!