Myrtle wood

Myrtle wood is a fine, dense hardwood prized for its warm reddish-brown heartwood with subtle golden highlights and a fine, uniform texture. Native to the Mediterranean region, particularly Italy and North Africa, this wood is celebrated for its stability, workability, and natural luster, making it ideal for small-scale artisan woodworking and decorative projects.

Its straight to slightly wavy grain allows Myrtle wood to machine, turn, and sand cleanly, revealing a polished surface that showcases its natural color and delicate figure. Perfect for pen blanks, knife handles, turned objects, inlays, small furniture accents, and specialty crafts, Myrtle wood offers both elegance and functionality.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Myrtus communis

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin: Mediterranean (Italy, North Africa, Spain)

Common & Trade Names

Myrtle, Common Myrtle, Mediterranean Myrtle, Myrtus

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: reddish-brown with subtle golden highlights

Sapwood: pale, clearly defined

Fine, uniform texture

Straight to slightly wavy grain

Moderate density; stable and durable

Smooth natural luster

Workability

Machines, sands, and turns easily

Accepts stains, oils, and finishes beautifully

Glues and polishes reliably

Ideal for small precision projects and decorative crafts

Health & Safety Note

Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust extraction, respirator, and eye protection when machining or sanding Myrtle wood.

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