Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- South-Central North America, primarily native to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and surrounding regions
- Hardness
- 2760 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, exceptionally resistant 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 to bright yellow when freshly cut, aging rapidly to a rich dark brown or weathered gray upon exposure to UV light
Hardness (Janka)
2760 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, exceptionally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on dimensions and quality
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent cut, showing typical initial oxidation on the exposed surfaces
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List; locally abundant and considered sustainable
Common Uses
Fence posts, archery bows, turnings, accent pieces, boat building, and primitive tool handles
Geographic Origin
South-Central North America, primarily native to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and surrounding regions
Workability
Very difficult to work with hand and machine tools due to extreme hardness and density; tends to blunt cutting edges quickly, but turns and glues reasonably well
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes well, though the natural yellow color will darken significantly over time regardless of finish unless UV-blocking clears are applied
Notable Features
Contains natural yellow dye compounds (morin), highly flexible when steamed, and exceptionally rot-resistant
