Mulberry
Morus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to North America (Eastern United States).
- Hardness
- 1,680 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, comparable to White Oak or Black Locust.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
1,680 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, comparable to White Oak or Black Locust.
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.
Common Uses
Woodturning (bowls), fence posts, furniture, utility wood, and small specialty items.
Geographic Origin
Native to North America (Eastern United States).
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.
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.
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.
