hardwood · Maclura pomifera
Osage Orange wood properties
Also known as: hedge apple, horse apple, bois d'arc.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Maclura pomifera |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,689,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.86 |
| Density (approx) | 54 lb/ft³ (4.5 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 2,620 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 5.6% / 3.8% |
| Region | South-central United States |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Osage Orange weighs about 17.9 lb (roughly 54 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 2,620 lbf is harder than about 89% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: fence posts, archery bows, turnings, musical instruments, natural dye.
Durability: Extremely durable, ranking among North America's top woods for resisting decay.
Workability: Its hardness and density make working tough, yet it turns nicely and accepts glue, stain and finish.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Osage Orange:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). Not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change table, so CT/CR omitted. Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.