Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- South-central United States, primarily originating from Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, but now naturalized widely across North America.
- Hardness
- 2,760 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse texture, ring-porous structure visible clearly on the end grain.
Color & Appearance
Bright golden-yellow to bright yellow when freshly cut, aging to a rich dark brown or weathered gray with exposure to ultraviolet light and oxygen.
Hardness (Janka)
2,760 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on dimensions and quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be several decades old based on the deep checking, weathered surface patina, and end-grain oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List; considered a sustainable, abundant domestic species in North America.
Common Uses
Fence posts, treenail pins, archer's bows, turned objects, rustic furniture, and heavy outdoor construction due to exceptional rot resistance.
Geographic Origin
South-central United States, primarily originating from Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, but now naturalized widely across North America.
Workability
Extremely difficult to work with hand and machine tools due to its exceptional hardness and density; tends to blunt cutting edges quickly, but takes a very smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, varnish, or lacquer work well; sanding to a high grit brings out a natural luster, though the bright yellow color will eventually darken to brown unless protected by UV-blocking finishes.
Notable Features
Contains natural chemical compounds that provide extraordinary decay and insect resistance, bright yellow fresh heartwood that oxidizes over time, and high stability once seasoned.
