Wormy Maple
Also known as Ambrosia Maple, Spalted / Wormy Soft Maple.
Acer spp. (Sapindaceae) · Eastern North America
Wormy maple is soft maple with a story. The gray-blue streaks and little "worm" tracks come from the ambrosia beetle and a fungus it carries — cosmetic marks that turn plain maple into a warm, characterful board full of movement. It is the same wood underneath, just dressed for a farmhouse or live-with-it look.
Because the marking is what people want, it is popular for rustic furniture, tabletops, and cabinetry where character beats uniformity. It machines and finishes like any soft maple; you can fill the small holes or leave them proud for the effect. No two boards are alike, so if you're building something visible, come talk to us about laying out the figure — we stock wormy maple for exactly this kind of project.
Appearance
Color. Pale maple ground marked with gray-blue mineral streaks and small worm tracks.
Grain. Straight, with the ambrosia streaking radiating from tiny holes.
Texture. Fine, even texture.
Working & finishing
Works like the soft maple it is — clean-machining and easy to finish. The small holes and streaks are cosmetic; fill them or leave them for the rustic look.
Drying. Dries with moderate movement; stable once dry.
Durability
Non-durable; an interior character wood.
Common uses
Looking for Wormy Maple?
We stock and mill a wide range of species and grades. Tell us your sizes and we'll confirm availability and pricing — usually within one business day.