White Mulberry — Morus alba

White Mulberry

Morus alba · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Native to Central and Eastern China; widely naturalized throughout North America, Europe, and India.
Hardness
1,170 lbf (Medium)
Durability
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, comparable to Osage Orange or Black Locust.

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Grain Pattern

Straight grain with a uniform medium-to-coarse texture; often shows a distinct ring-porous cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces.

Color & Appearance

Freshly cut heartwood is golden yellow, darkening to a medium reddish-brown with age; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It possesses a high natural luster.

Hardness (Janka)

1,170 lbf (Medium)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, comparable to Osage Orange or Black Locust.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot (primarily sold as turning blanks or through specialty sawmills).

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Identifying from a living branch: Current growth represents a young sapling or recent season's growth, while the parent tree appears mature.

Common Uses

Furniture, boat building, fence posts, woodturning (bowls), cabinetry, and occasionally for traditional archery bows.

Geographic Origin

Native to Central and Eastern China; widely naturalized throughout North America, Europe, and India.

Workability

Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its medium-coarse texture may require careful sanding; glues and finishes well.

Finish Recommendations

Clear oils (Tung or Danish) enhance the golden color; UV-inhibiting polyurethane is recommended to slow the transition to deep brown.

Notable Features

Often confused with Osage Orange but lacks the intense density; sap is milky white (latex) when cut; high UV sensitivity causes rapid color change.

Learn more about White Mulberry in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified May 12, 2026