Bowdoc - Bois d’Arc - Osage Orange - Hedge Apple...

Who knew the correct spelling for the common name of the thorny tree which produces very hard yellow/orange wood and decorative green fruit? Always pronounced Bowdoc around here, the correct spelling is Bois d’Arc (French for bow wood). It is also called Osage Orange because Osage Indians used the wood for bows and arrows, and Hedge Apple because before metal fencing, it was planted as a living fence. Source - University of Arkansas Extension News - February 11, 2000, Submitted by Ray Harding.