Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central North America (originally restricted to a small region in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, now widely naturalized across the United States)
- Hardness
- 2760 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (exceptional resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse texture and distinct ring-porous structure.
Color & Appearance
Bright golden-yellow to bright yellow when freshly cut, which rapidly oxidizes and darkens upon exposure to UV light to a rich medium brown or dark amber with a yellowish sapwood.
Hardness (Janka)
2760 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (exceptional resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $5.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on dimensions and quality
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately aged (several decades old based on surface oxidation and patina).
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not threatened on the IUCN Red List; widely available domestically.
Common Uses
Fence posts, archery bows, turnery, accent pieces, treenware, boat building, and primitive tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Central North America (originally restricted to a small region in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, now widely naturalized across the United States)
Workability
Extremely difficult to work with hand and machine tools due to extreme density and hardness; rapidly dulls cutting edges, though it turns exceptionally well on a lathe.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, and polyurethane well, though its natural oils can sometimes affect curing times; sanding to a high grit yields a natural glass-like sheen.
Notable Features
Contains natural dyes (morin) historically used for coloring textiles yellow-khaki, highly resilient natural oils, extremely heavy and dense.
