What can I do with an Osage orange?

Prior to the invention of barbed wire, these thorny trees were planted as natural fencing for cattle deterrents. In the Midwest, the Osage orange is often called hedge apple. Osage orange wood is very durable and is still used for making fence posts.

Is Osage orange good for woodworking?

Durability: Osage Orange is quite durable and is considered one of the most durable and decay-resistant woods in North America. Uses: Osage Orange can be used as fuelwood, fence posts, dye, musical instruments, turnings, and small specialty wood items.

How do you decorate an Osage orange?

Osage Orange Decorating Ideas This one includes pineapples, greenery, red apples, limes and several hedge apples. The hedge apple’s yellow-green color also is appealing in holiday table centerpieces and wreaths. Just add some flowers and greenery and tie on some ribbons if desired.

Is Osage orange wood toxic?

Often considered poisonous, it is not; this reputation came from livestock physically choking on the fruit due to its large size. Squirrels relish the small seeds found inside the fruit. In the past, these trees were often planted as “living fences” due to dense growth and sharp thorns.

Can you burn Osage wood?

Osage orange firewood, also known as hedge, horse apple or bodark, is one of the best firewood types available. This oddly shaped tree does not grow very tall (roughly 26-49 feet) but its wood is extremely dense making it a great firewood choice.

Can Osage orange be used for cutting boards?

Because of Osage orange’s hardness and durability, it often was used for wagon wheels. Highly decay-resistant, it was even laid as paving blocks. In today’s world, however, the wood is scarce as lumber. Yet sanded smooth and oiled, Osage orange beats all others for cutting boards that will stand up to a blade.

Can you make a cutting board out of Osage orange?

How do you finish Osage orange wood?

Finishing Osage Orange I recommend sanding the completed project with progressively finer grits of sandpaper, up to 220 grit, before applying a water-based lacquer finish. This results in a beautiful, glass-like finish. I chose a clear water-based lacquer finish to preserve the color as much as possible.

How long does Osage orange last?

130 years
Average spread is 25 feet (60 feet maximum). Stem diameter averages 1.5 feet diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground (6 feet diameter maximum). Osage-orange is a surprising rapid growing tree on the best sites, and has a relatively long life-span (approaching 130 years).

Do hedge apples repel mice?

The oils in hedge apples are well known for repelling pests such as spiders and mice. And the good news is, using hedge apples to repel these pests couldn’t be easier!