Osage-Orange


Name Osage-Orange (Maclura pomifera)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as osage, bow wood, bois-d’arc, bodark, bodare, hedge apple, and horse apple.
Sources Grows in United States and Canada.
Appearance Straight grained with an uneven texture and a high luster. Golden-yellow to bright orange heartwood and narrow, light yellow sapwood. Darkens with age. Heavy, hard, tough, and resilient.
Physical Props Exceptional decay resistance (best in North America) and dimensional stability.
Working Props Works with difficulty due to hardness. Glues satisfactorily. Nails and screws hold well but hardness may require pre-drilling. Finishes easily enough but oils will accelerate natural darkening.
Uses Used for wheel rims, bows, fenceposts, stakes, railroad ties, turnery, novelties, and musical instruments.