Osage Orange, Bois d' Arc, Bodark, Horse Apple, Hedge Apple, Bowwood, Yellowwood, Naranjo Chino, Ioxylon pomiferum, Toxylon pomiferum
Maclura pomifera, commonly known as Osage Orange, Bodark, or Horse Apple, is a unique deciduous tree native to the south-central United States. Known for its distinctive large, green, wrinkled fruit, this tree holds a fascinating history and numerous ecological and practical uses. Once valued by Indigenous peoples and settlers for its durable wood and thorny branches, the Osage Orange is now appreciated for its drought tolerance, pest resistance, and adaptability in modern landscapes.
Osage Orange belongs to the Moraceae family, which includes other notable trees like mulberries and figs. Despite its name, Osage Orange is not related to citrus trees but derives its name from the orange-like fragrance of its wood and fruit. This resilient tree thrives in diverse environments, from urban settings to windbreaks, making it a versatile addition to landscapes.
The Osage Orange is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a spreading, rounded crown and thick, thorny branches. It typically grows 30–60 feet (9–18 meters) tall and wide, with dark green, ovate leaves that turn a vibrant yellow in the fall. The tree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are found on separate trees. The most striking feature of this tree is its fruit—large, wrinkled, green spheres about the size of a grapefruit, which are often referred to as “hedge apples.”
Maclura pomifera is native to the Red River region of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Historically, the Osage Orange tree range was limited to this area, but it has since been widely planted and naturalized throughout the United States and beyond. The tree thrives in a variety of habitats, including open fields, woodlands, and along fence rows, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to poor soils and challenging conditions.
The Osage Orange is a deciduous tree with a short trunk and a broad rounded crown of interlacing branches studded with stout thorns, one inch long (2.5 cm). Its dense, thorny branches form a formidable barrier, historically making it a popular choice for natural hedges and windbreaks. Rows of these spiny plants served as fences before the introduction of barbed wire.
Osage Orange has a long lifespan, often living 75 to 150 years. Some specimens have been known to exceed 200 years under favorable conditions.
Osage Orange typically grows to a height of 30–60 feet (9–18 meters) with a similar spread. Its robust growth and spreading canopy make it an excellent choice for shade or as a protective windbreak.
Osage Orange, has a moderate to fast growth rate, typically growing 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) per year under optimal conditions.
The small, greenish flowers of Osage Orange appear in spring or early summer. Female flowers develop into the tree’s characteristic fruit, while male flowers produce pollen. Though not particularly showy, the flowers are ecologically important, attracting pollinators.
The fruit of the Osage Orange is its most recognizable feature. These large, spherical, green fruits, 3-5 inches across (7-12 cm), resemble oranges or grapefruits (hedge apples) with their wrinkled surface and sticky, milky sap. The fruit is not edible for humans; it is eaten by livestock, hence the common name of horse-apple. The fruit is also believed to have insect-repelling properties, often placed in basements or closets to deter pests.
The leaves of Osage Orange are glossy, ovate, and dark green, creating a lush canopy during the growing season. In the fall, the leaves turn a striking yellow, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
Osage Orange is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. It thrives in the harshest conditions, tolerating drought, heat, cold, wind, and a wide range of soil conditions, including poor and alkaline soils.
The Osage Orange tree provides valuable habitat and food for wildlife. Birds and small mammals use its dense branches for shelter, while squirrels and other animals eat the seeds found within the fruit. Its flowers are a source of nectar for pollinators, while the larva of two moths Ceratomia hagenii (Osage Orange Sphinx Moth) and Archips argyrospilus (Fruit-Tree Leafroller), feed on the leaves and flower buds.
The thorny branches of Osage Orange deter browsing by deer and rabbits, making it an excellent choice for protecting gardens and crops.
Osage Orange is drought-tolerant once established, thriving in dry, well-drained soils with minimal watering.
The fruit of Osage Orange is not considered toxic but is inedible for humans due to its unpalatable nature and sticky sap. The milky sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
In some areas where Osage Orange was introduced for purposes such as windbreaks, hedgerows, or erosion control, it has escaped cultivation and spread aggressively:
Osage Orange thrives in full sun to partial shade.
This tree tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poor, rocky, dry, wet, clay, and alkaline soils. It prefers well-drained conditions and is highly adaptable to challenging environments.
Osage Orange is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal supplemental watering. Water young trees deeply during the first growing season to encourage strong root development.
Fertilization is generally unnecessary for established trees. However, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can promote healthy growth in poor soils.
Prune young trees to establish a strong central leader and remove any dead or damaged branches. Mature trees require minimal pruning but may benefit from occasional thinning to maintain shape and health.
No serious pest or disease issues. However, the flowers and fruits of female plants can create a mess and emit unpleasant odors if not promptly cleaned up.
While the fruit of the Osage orange (Maclura pomifera), commonly called “hedge apples,” is not edible for humans, it serves several useful purposes:
Native Americans valued the Osage orange tree for its:
Osage orange is native to parts Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma. Today, it has spread and naturalized throughout much of the United States, particularly in the Midwest, Great Plains, and Southeast regions. It thrives in USDA zones 4-9.
Osage orange is a fast-growing tree, adding up to 1-2 feet per year under optimal conditions. It matures at a height of 30-60 feet (9-18 meters) with a similar spread.
The fruit itself is not edible due to its tough texture, milky sap, and unpalatable taste. However:he seeds inside the fruit are edible for some animals and potentially humans, but extracting them is labor-intensive.
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 9 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Moraceae |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 30' - 60' (9.1m - 18.3m) |
Spread | 30' - 60' (9.1m - 18.3m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained, Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | Arkansas, Oklahoma, Southwest, Texas, United States, Utah |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Clay Soil, Wet Soil, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Hedges And Screens |
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 9 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Moraceae |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 30' - 60' (9.1m - 18.3m) |
Spread | 30' - 60' (9.1m - 18.3m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained, Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | Arkansas, Oklahoma, Southwest, Texas, United States, Utah |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Clay Soil, Wet Soil, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Hedges And Screens |
How many Maclura pomifera (Osage Orange) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Maclura pomifera (Osage Orange) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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