Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central United States, primarily native to the Red River drainage basin of Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas, but widely planted throughout North America.
- Hardness
- 2760 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (exceptionally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack)
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse, uneven texture.
Color & Appearance
Bright golden-yellow to bright orange when freshly cut or exposed, which rapidly oxidizes and darkens to a rich medium brown or dark brown when exposed to UV light and air.
Hardness (Janka)
2760 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (exceptionally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Varies widely from $3.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on dimensions and availability, often valued higher for turning blanks and bow staves.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be several decades old based on surface checking and oxidation depth, though exact age cannot be precisely determined from this sample.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not threatened on the IUCN Red List. Widely available in its native and planted ranges.
Common Uses
Fence posts, archery bows, treenware, turning, boat building, and mallets due to its extreme durability and strength.
Geographic Origin
Central United States, primarily native to the Red River drainage basin of Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas, but widely planted throughout North America.
Workability
Extremely difficult to work with both hand and machine tools due to its extreme density and hardness; rapidly dulls cutting edges. Glues and finishes well once properly prepared.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oils and film-building finishes like polyurethane well, though the wood's natural oils should be considered. Sanding to a fine grit helps highlight the chatoyancy.
Notable Features
Contains natural dyes (morin) that yield a yellow color, extremely high natural durability without chemical treatments, and high shock resistance.
