Edge Grain Boards

Edge grain, also known as vertical grain or quarter-sawn, refers to the wood grain pattern where the wood's growth rings are exposed on the widest faces of the lumber, forming angles of 45 to 90 degrees with the surface. 
Here's a more detailed explanation:
How it's produced:
Edge grain is achieved by quarter-sawing the lumber, meaning the log is cut into quarters and then sawn into boards, rather than the more common "flat-sawn" method. 
Appearance:
When you look at the surface of an edge-grain board, you see the grain running vertically, or along the edge of the wood. 
Uses:
Edge-grain lumber is often preferred for furniture, flooring, and other applications where stability and durability are important. 
Butcher Block:
In butcher block construction, edge grain is created by gluing the edges of wood strips together, so the edges of the strips face upward.