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Common Name(s): Osage Orange, Horse Apple, Hedge Apple Scientific Name: Maclura pomifera Distribution: South-Central United States Tree Size: 50-60 ft (15-18 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 59 lbs/ft3 (935 kg/m3) Hardness: 2,760 lbf (12,280 N)* *Estimated hardness from data of green wood at: 2,040 lbf (9,070 N)* Bending Strength: 19,300 lbf/in2 (133,300 kPa)* *Estimated bending strength from data of green wood at: 13,700 lbf/in2 (94,500 kPa)* Elasticity: 1,677,000 lbf/in2 (11,600 MPa)* *Estimated elasticity from data of green wood at:1,330,000 lbf/in2 (9,170 MPa) Shrinkage: Volumetric: 9.2% |
Color/Appearance: Heartwood is golden to bright orange, which can darken with time. See the article Preventing Color Changes in Exotic Woods for more details.
Grain/Pore: Has an even and straight grain with a fine to medium texture.
Durability: Osage Orange is extremely durable and is considered to be one of the most decay resistant woods in North America.
Workability: Working this wood can be difficult due to its hardness and density, though it is reported to have little dulling effect on cutting edges. It turns well, and also takes stains, glues and finishes well.
Smell: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.
Safety: Sap has been reported to cause dermatitis. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Price Range: Osage Orange isn’t usually harvested for lumber, but can occasionally be found for sale in either board or small turning block form. Due to its domesticity and adequate supply, the price should be moderate, though likely to be higher than most other native lumbers on account of its “specialty” status.
Comments: Osage Orange has a relatively low modulus of elasticity compared to its weight, (it’s somewhat flexible), which would explain why it is sometimes used for archery bows. Other common uses include: exterior structural elements, turnings, and other small specialty wood items.
None available.
Scans/Pictures: There are currently no pictures of this woods species available for viewing. If you’d like to contribute wood samples to be scanned, (even small pieces of veneer can be sent), please use the contact form.
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