Osage Orange (also known as Bodark)
Maclura pomifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to South-central United States (Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma), but now widely naturalized throughout North America.
- Hardness
- 2,620 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to decay and one of the most rot-resistant woods in North America. Highly resistant to termites and insects.
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Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or interlocked. Ring-porous with a very coarse texture and distinct growth rings visible as cathedral patterns or tight lines.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a vibrant, golden to bright yellow that inevitably ages to a medium to dark brown over time with UV exposure. Sapwood is narrow and pale yellow to white. It has a high natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
2,620 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to decay and one of the most rot-resistant woods in North America. Highly resistant to termites and insects.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality; often sold as turning blanks or specialty bow staves.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample appears relatively fresh or recently surfaced, as it still retains the characteristic bright yellow hue before significant UV-induced browning has occurred.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered very sustainable and invasive in some regions.
Common Uses
Bows (archery), fence posts, tool handles, dye source, woodturning, and heavy-duty structural applications where rot resistance is critical.
Geographic Origin
Native to South-central United States (Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma), but now widely naturalized throughout North America.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme hardness and density; it has a significant dulling effect on cutting edges. Gluing can be difficult because of natural extracts, but it turns and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
UV-inhibiting clear finishes are highly recommended to slow the transition from yellow to brown. Responds well to tung oil or polyurethane.
Notable Features
Contains a high amount of water-soluble yellow dye/extractives. It is extremely heavy and dense. When burned, it has the highest BTU value of any North American wood but tends to spark/pop excessively.
