Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- South-Central United States, now widely naturalized throughout North America
- Hardness
- 2620 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse, uneven texture
Color & Appearance
Bright golden yellow when freshly cut, aging to a rich brown or dark amber upon prolonged exposure to light
Hardness (Janka)
2620 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderately expensive for specialty lumber, approximately $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated recently harvested to a few months old based on the bright yellow heartwood and intact bark
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not considered threatened by the IUCN; abundant locally
Common Uses
Fence posts, archery bows, turnery, accent pieces, treenails, and primitive woodworking
Geographic Origin
South-Central United States, now widely naturalized throughout North America
Workability
Extremely difficult to work with both hand and machine tools due to extreme hardness; rapidly dulls cutting edges
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well, but oil finishes or clear polyurethane are recommended to highlight and preserve the natural golden color
Notable Features
Contains natural dyes (morin), highly flexible when steamed, extremely dense and heavy with high shock resistance
