Mulberry
Morus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America.
- Hardness
- 2,250 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay, frequently used in ground contact applications.
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Grain Pattern
Irregular and wavy grain with prominent growth rings, showcasing a striking cross-cut end/face grain transition with knots and swirled patterns.
Color & Appearance
Vibrant and high-contrast color palette featuring deep golden-brown, amber, and yellow heartwood contrasting sharply with pale cream to white sapwood. The wood tends to darken significantly to a rich amber-brown upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
2,250 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay, frequently used in ground contact applications.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot for turning blanks.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently cut or freshly turned green wood sample, estimated at less than a few months old based on bright coloration and minimal surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List. Widely available locally from urban salvage and fallen trees.
Common Uses
Woodturning (bowls and vessels), fence posts, outdoor furniture, rustic cabinetry, and accent pieces.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though knots and irregular grain around branches can cause tearout. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils such as tung oil or Danish oil, or film finishes like polyurethane or lacquer to accentuate the striking chatoyance and vibrant heartwood colors.
Notable Features
Remarkable natural yellow-to-amber color transformation upon light exposure, high dimensional stability once dry, and excellent decay resistance despite being a domestic North American hardwood.
