Where? Not seeing it. Post a close-up picture of the board in question so we can see the length of the medullary rays.

Thanks very much for looking. Here's a couple of close-up pictures with the plank in question outlined in red.

Normal variation.

Why do you ask? It should have not been installed, or saved for a less noticeable place.

Ahhh, ok. Many thanks.

Thanks PPF, that's what I was thinking. It's in a very visible place and always draws my eye to it. The contractor doesn't want to replace it for us. Also, it's only 30in in length, while we specified > 6ft planks.

Are all of the other boards >6' - except for this 30" one?

Yes!

I would compromise by allowing contractor to pay a professional furniture finisher to blend color of that board.

Hadn't thought of that. Would I have to worry about uneven fading over time?

Looks like Red Oak. Leave it alone as G&S recommends.