Osage Orange

Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera)

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)

Basic Specific Gravity: .76

Hardness: 2,760 lb_f (12,280 N)*

*Estimated hardness from data of green wood at: 2,040 lb_f (9,070 N)*

Bending Strength: 19,300 lb_f/in² (133,300 kPa)*

*Estimated bending strength from data of green wood at: 13,700 lb_f/in² (94,500 kPa)*

Elasticity: 1,677,000 lb_f/in² (11,600 MPa)*

*Estimated elasticity from data of green wood at:1,330,000 lb_f/in² (9,170 MPa)

Shrinkage: Volumetric: 9.2%

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is golden to bright yellow, which almost certainly ages to a darker medium brown with time: primarily due to exposure to UV light. 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. Pores are closed.

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.