Near Natchez in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Bois d'arc

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

1. Bois d'arc Marker

Inscription. The French name for this tree is Bois d'arc (bwa-dark), which means bow wood. The tree has many common names including Osage orange, horse apple, and hedge apple. The wood is strong, heavy, hard, and flexible and was reportedly used by native peoples, especially the Osage Nation, for their bows and arrows. Bois d'arc (Maclura pomifera) is native to river valleys and bottomlands in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana.

Captions
(Photo #1) Bois d'arc fruit

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 31° 39.899′ N, 93° 0.126′ W. Marker is near Natchez, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It is at the intersection of Louisiana Route 494 and Route 119 on Louisiana Route 494. The marker is located on the grounds of the Oakland Plantation (Cane River Creole National Historic Park). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4388 LA-494, Natchez LA 71456, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana.

It is also in

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Merchandise and Mail (a few steps from this marker); Jujube Trees (a few steps from this marker); The Sound of Time (within shouting distance of this marker); The Enslaved Nanny's Room (within shouting distance of this marker); The Oak Allée & Bottle Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); A Canopied Path (within shouting distance of this marker); Maker of Most Things Wood (within shouting distance of this marker); Meet "Natchez" the Oakland Mule (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natchez.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

2. Bois d'arc Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.