Osage Orange

Osage Orange - lat. Maclura pomifera

Osage Orange (also known as Maclura pomifera, Bois d'Arc or Hedgewood) is a hardwood native to North America, specifically the Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas regions. The Osage Orange tree reaches a medium size and is also known for its distinctive green fruits that resemble round oranges (although they are not edible). Wood is unique in its density, strength and durability.

Osage Orange wood has a distinctive yellow to golden orange hue that darkens to a rich brown over time. Thanks to this coloring, it is very attractive for craft and decorative use.

It is one of the hardest and densest woods in North America (hardness according to JANKA - 2620 lbf), which makes it extremely resistant to wear, insects and weathering. It is one of the most durable woods in the world, especially when used outdoors. It has a natural resistance to rot and decay.

Historically, Osage Orange wood was used by Native Americans to make bows because it is flexible, strong and durable, making it an ideal material for such purposes. Due to its resistance to weather influences, it is popular for the production of fence posts.

Today, it is used to make musical instruments, instrument handles, marquetry, jewelry boxes and other art objects.

Osage Orange is known for its outdoor longevity – fence posts made from this wood can last for decades without any protection or maintenance. However, the wood is quite difficult to process due to its hardness, but after appropriate treatment it provides a beautiful shiny surface.

It is not very commercially available, but its unique properties and aesthetics make it a popular material for specific projects.