Osage Orange is one of the hardiest native trees here in Kansas, they grow fast and have extremely hard wood. Very drought tolerant and thrive where nothing else will. They are typically thorny especially when young but are unusual and useful in that the wood does not rot. At one time in history all of the fence posts in this area were Osage Orange posts and many are still in use today because they outlast steel posts. Many people also use it as firewood because it is very dense and burns extremely hot. The wood is bright yellow when it’s fresh, aging to a mellow orange after a few years making it unique for woodworking.
Also known as hedge apple, hedge ball, monkey ball, mock orange, horse apple, monkey brains, and yellow-wood. The name bois d’arc (French, meaning “bow-wood”) has also been written as bodark and bodock.
Like many tree seeds, Osage Orange seeds need to be cold stratified before they germinate so either plant them in the fall so they receive cold during the wintertime or moisten them and store in the refrigerator for three months prior to planting.
