Mulberry
Mulberry is a hidden gem — very durable, easy to work, and capable of a vivid golden-yellow color that transforms to warm reddish brown over time. It's seldom harvested commercially, so most woodworkers encounter it through local urban tree removals. When you find it, grab it. White Mulberry leaves feed silkworms; the wood may be familiar from biblical references to rot-resistant timber. Both claims check out.
- Missing the color transformation — fresh-cut Mulberry looks almost yellow-green; don't judge a finished piece by the raw stock
- Overlooking urban tree removal sources — this is rarely at lumber yards; networking with arborists is the real supply chain
- Not sealing end grain immediately after milling — Mulberry can develop checks quickly in the drying round logs
Fresh-cut heartwood is a vivid golden to bright yellow, darkening to a warm reddish brown with age — similar to Osage Orange. The color transformation is dramatic. Sapwood is pale yellowish white.
Responds very well to both hand and machine tools. Turns, glues, and finishes beautifully. No significant health concerns beyond standard precautions. A genuinely pleasant wood to work — underappreciated.
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Australia / NZ | Specialty importers only |