Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- South-central United States (Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma), but widely naturalized across North America.
- Hardness
- 2,620 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; one of the most decay-resistant woods in North America, highly resistant to termites and rot.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or interlocked; the sample shows a dense, fine-textured grain with open pores visible in the tangential section.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a vibrant golden to bright yellow, which inevitably ages to a dark golden brown or russet color over time due to UV exposure. Sapwood is narrow and light yellow to white.
Hardness (Janka)
2,620 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; one of the most decay-resistant woods in North America, highly resistant to termites and rot.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on clarity and size; often sold as turning blanks.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample appears modern but shows signs of early oxidation (patina), suggesting the piece has been exposed to light for several months to a few years.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); not CITES listed. Highly sustainable due to fast growth and lack of major threats.
Common Uses
Tool handles, bows (archery), fence posts, dye production, turnings, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
South-central United States (Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma), but widely naturalized across North America.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme hardness. It has a dulling effect on cutting edges. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though its density makes nailing difficult without pre-drilling.
Finish Recommendations
UV-inhibiting clear coats are recommended to slow the color change from yellow to brown. Tung oil or polyurethane work well for tool handles.
Notable Features
Produces a yellow dye when placed in water; extremely dense and heavy; known for its exceptional shock resistance and elasticity in bow-making.
