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| Common Names: |
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Bodare
Bodark
Bodock
Bois d'arc
Bow wood
Hedge
Hedge apple
Horse apple
Naranjo chino |
Osage
Osage orange
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- Mechanical Values
| Category |
Green |
Dry |
Units |
| Weight |
62 |
56 |
lbs/cu.ft. |
| Density (air-dry) |
|
|
lbs/cu.ft. |
| Specific Gravity |
0.76 |
0.80 |
|
| Hardness |
|
|
lbs |
| Stiffness |
|
|
1000 psi |
| Bending Strength |
|
|
psi |
| Shearing Strength |
|
|
psi |
| Max. Crushing Strength |
|
|
psi |
| Work to Maximum Load |
|
|
in-lbs/in3 |
| Radial Shrinkage (G->OD) |
|
|
% |
| Tangential Shrink. (G->OD) |
|
|
% |
| Volumetric Shrink (G->OD) |
|
9 |
% |
Environmental Profile
The environmental status of Osage orange within its natural boundaries has not been officially assessed.
Distribution
The native range of Osage orange is reported to be rather difficult to determine. The species is now widely planted, and also commonly escapes. It grows in moist soils of river valleys and is found in Ontario, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Product Sources
Some material from this species is reported to be available from environmentally responsible sources.
The tree is reported to be seldom harvested for lumber or for veneers. It is, however, reported to be available in adequate supplies, at moderate prices for very small projects.
The following species in the database is reported to be similar to Osage orange in color, texture, and density:
Fustic (Chlorophora tinctoria )
Tree Data
The tree is described as medium sized and spiny. It is reported to develop a short stem that is often crooked. It is reported to mature to a height of about 50 feet (15 m), with a trunk diameter of about 2 feet (60 cm).
Sapwood Color
The sapwood is described as light yellow in color.
Heartwood Color
The heartwood is greenish yellow, or golden-yellow to bright orange when first cut. It turns russet-brown upon exposure and ages to expose dark streaks of color.
Grain
Grain is straight and closed, and is reported to be comparable to that of black locust. Decorative mottles are sometimes exhibited in some boards.
Texture
Texture is somewhat coarse.
Odor
There is no particular odor or taste.
Ease of Drying
The wood is reported to season well, and its shrinking properties are reported to be slightly more than Sugar pine. Mild kiln schedules are recommended.
Kiln Schedules
T6 - A2 (4/4); T3 - A1 (8/4) US
Movement in Service
Dimensional stability is reported to be very high after the timber is properly seasoned to the appropriate moisture content.
Natural Durability
Osage-orange is very resistant to decay, and is reported to rate as the most durable of all North American timbers. It is reported to last indefinitely when used as stakes and post, and is practically unaffected by changes in humidity.
Cutting Resistance
Osage-orange is hard, and is reported to be rather difficult to cut.
Planing
Machining properties are reported to be affected by the hardness of the wood. It is considered to be generally hard to work, and tools usually require frequent sharpening.
Gluing
Gluing properties are rated as fairly good.
Nailing
The wood is hard, which makes it rather difficult to nail.
Screwing
Screw-holding properties are reported to be good.
Staining
Oil finishes are not recommended since they are reported to accelerate color change.
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