On the subject of funny oaks, any experience of "brown oak" ?
It's a normal oak species, but affected by a fungus stain whilst growing. The fungus is a bracket fungus, Fistulina hepatica the "beefsteak fungus". I don't think it;'s edible, but if you cut the fungus open it oozes red juice like a piece of steak. The colouring is unlike spalting, it's an overall brown colour throughout the heartwood. Sapwood stays pale.
A very attractive colour, and quite a desirable timber in the UK. Do you get it in the US ?