Osage Orange (maclura pomifera)

Osage orange is native to the south central U.S. It is hardy to zone 4. I started growing osage orange for the wood. It is probably the densest wood that can be grown outside of the tropics. Osage is even more rot resistant than black locust and chestnut, both of which are far more durable than pressure treated lumber. The wood is hard, heavy, and a beautiful orange-brown. Another name for osage is bois d' arc which means wood of the bow. It is the premeir bow making wood because of its strength.

Osage orange is most commonly grown to create hedgerows and living fences. The vigorous growth, fierce thorns, and overall toughness combine to create an impenetrable wall when planted close together. Osage living fences can effectively keep out (or in) cattle, horses, and hogs.

The inedible fruits of osage are the size of softballs. They smell like citrus fruit. They can keep a car smelling good for weeks if you leave one in there. They also have commercial applications for the cosmetic industry.