Officially dubbed Maclura pomifera by American Geologist William Maclure (1763-1840) this tree has since acquired almost as many aliases as it has uses. Some common names include Hedge, Hedge Apple, and Bois d’arc. Bois d’arc is French for “wood of the bow”. This was derived from Native Americans who used the strong and supple branches from the tree for the construction of highly treasured archery bows. It is believed that this name was shifted to yet another name, “Bodark”. The name most commonly heard for the tree in the Central United States is Osage Orange. Osage Orange tree was originally native to Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas but has since become common throughout the eastern and northwestern United States.

Regardless of what one calls the tree, its history speaks to the fortitude of those who meticulously nurtured miles and miles of Osage Orange with a functional purpose. Prior to the invention of barbed wire in the 1880’s, these trees were systematically planted and pruned by farmers and ranchers so that growth was low to the ground and compacted tightly. This would allow the thorny Osage Orange branches to serve as a fence row to keep animals confined and protected. The ideal row of Osage Orange was defined as “horse high, bull strong, and hog tight”. Some believe that these thorny tree rows were actually the inspiration behind the invention of barbed wire. Additionally, miles of Osage Orange served as wind rows to protect land from the eroding powers of nature.

The trunk of an Osage Orange tree can reach up to 60 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter. Leaves of the tree are a deep glossy green, approximately 2 inches in length, and sport a tapered tip. Leaves have a thorn where the leaf attaches to the twig. A cousin to the mulberry tree, each fall some Osage Orange trees bear a large green fruit that can be up to 6 inches in diameter and resembles a giant mulberry. Not only is this fruit a delicacy for squirrels and deer, it also contains about 300 seeds.

Historically, Osage Orange has had a multitude of uses that include archery bows by the Native Americans who depended upon them. Osage Orange has also been used as fuel wood, railroad ties, telegraph poles, street paving blocks, tool handles, and wheels and hubs for wagons. Some believe that Osage Orange was used to construct the first chuck wagon. Game calls and smoking pipes have also been made of this wood. Miles of Osage Orange fence posts can still be found within the Central United States. Bark from Osage Orange was used during World War I in the manufacturing of khaki dye.

While difficult to work with, Osage Orange seasons well, is resistant to decay, and remains stable over time. For this reason, following the introduction of barbed wire, miles of windrows were removed and replaced by barbed wire fencing strung upon miles of fence posts made from Osage Orange. Many of these posts have functionally stood for generations. When steel fence posts entered the scene, many Osage Orange fence posts were pulled from the ground, piled and burned. Others were heaped and abandoned allowing nature to continue aging the wood. Such reclaimed fence posts are used in the major frame components in the construction of heirloom quality Osage Orange furniture at Elegant Rustics.

Fence posts ranging in age from thirty to one hundred years that have functionally served Kansas farmers and ranchers are materials used for the construction of major frame components including legs, seat supports, stretchers, arms, crest rails, and back rails. 5/4 air-dried Osage Orange dimensional lumber has been used for the construction of seats. Table tops are constructed from 6/4 air-dried Osage Orange. Dowels and wedges are hand-milled from air-dried Osage Orange dimensional lumber.