Mimosa Wood Guide 2026
Albizia julibrissin
Mimosa, also known as the Silk Tree, is a fast-growing ornamental hardwood that produces an attractive dark heartwood with interesting grain patterns. Though not commercially harvested at scale, Mimosa wood is valued by turners and small-project woodworkers for its rich color contrast between the dark walnut-brown heartwood and the light sapwood. It works well on the lathe and finishes to a smooth, lustrous surface.
Catalog Price Reference
Unverified catalog note: Domestic hardwood. Beautiful grain; limited commercial supply.
Unverified catalog reference, not a current offer. Supplier price source, quotation date and exact grade/milling basis are not recorded in these pricing fields. A page update is not price verification; freight and tax remain unknown until quoted. Enter a dated quote and build a specification.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 38 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States (naturalized), Iran, China, Japan
- Catalog price ranges are unverified references, not available offers
- Common uses include Turning, small furniture pieces, decorative items
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium and even texture with open pores.
Workability: Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Stains and finishes well with proper preparation.
Color change: Lightens slightly with exposure to ultraviolet light.
Insect resistance: Susceptible to common wood-boring beetles.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Mimosa. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths are common in limited small batches. | Random lengths usually limited to shorter boards. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths are common in limited small batches. | Random lengths usually limited to shorter boards. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths are common in limited small batches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths usually limited to shorter boards.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are common in limited small batches.
- Lengths
- Random lengths usually limited to shorter boards.
Availability notes: Mainly available from local arborists or specialty craft wood suppliers.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Dark walnut brown to chocolate heartwood with contrasting pale cream sapwood
Grain: Interlocked, sometimes wavy grain with a medium to coarse texture
Common Uses
- Turning
- small furniture pieces
- decorative items
- craft wood
- firewood
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Silk Tree, Persian Silk Tree, Pink Siris
Availability: Supplier confirmation required; this reference is not live inventory.
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,080 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States (naturalized), Iran, China, Japan
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Compare dated quotes on the same grade, dimensions and milling basis
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Mimosa is unavailable or over budget.