Mulberry
Morus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy grain with a medium texture; prominent growth rings produce a cathedral effect on the side of the bowl. Shows some slight chatoyancy in the figured sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is a vibrant golden yellow to orange-brown when fresh, darkening to a reddish-brown with age. Sapwood is a pale yellowish white. The sample shows typical golden luster characteristic of the species.
Hardness Rating
1,680 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, comparable to White Oak or Black Locust.
Common Uses
Woodturning (bowls), fence posts, furniture, utility wood, and small specialty items.
Geographic Origin
Native to North America (Eastern United States).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot (mostly available through specialty sawyers or local harvesting).
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be from a mature tree (based on ring density), while the turned product appears relatively recent, showing early stages of oxidation from yellow to amber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and non-threatened.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though wavy grain can cause some tearout during turning. Gluing and finishing properties are excellent.
Notable Features
Often confused with Osage Orange, though Mulberry is lighter and lacks the extreme density. It has no characteristic scent once dried and is not known for significant toxicity.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (like tung or linseed oil) enhance the golden color; polyurethane or lacquer can be used to preserve the chatoyancy and provide durability for a bowl.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct golden-orange hue, prominent ring-porous grain structure, and the characteristic darkening patina are classic indicators of Mulberry.