Osage Orange is a neat tree throughout the seasons, but was chosen for winter interest because it has gorgeous dark orange-brown bark with scaly ridges, making it an easy one to identify in the winter.
Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera)
What's a trees least favorite month?
Sep-TIMBER!
Sep-TIMBER!
Did you know?
- These trees were prized by Native Americans because they were perfect for making bows
- Early settlers used these trees as fencing on farms
- This tree is called Osage Orange because of the orange bark and bright orange color when cut
- There is an old wives' tale that hedge apples keep away spiders and other pests
Common Names:
- Osage Orange
- Hedge Apple
- Bowwood
Wildlife Benefits:
- Birds and mammals use it for shelter and nesting
- Squirrels open the fruit to eat the seeds
Habitat:
- Woodlands
Size:
- 30-50' tall, with a crown width of 25-60'
Growing Conditions:
- Full sun
- Moist, well-drained soil
Select Identification Characteristics:
- Leaf Type: Simple
- Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
- Bud Arrangement: Alternate
- Terminal Bud: Single
