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.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 38 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States (naturalized), Iran, China, Japan
- Price: ~$5 per board foot
- 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: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,080 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States (naturalized), Iran, China, Japan
- Affordable pricing
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Mimosa is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
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