Maclura pomifera
osage-orange
Overview
Maclura pomifera is a deciduous tree growing 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall with a short trunk and a rounded, often irregular crown of equal spread. The glossy, ovate leaves are 3-5 inches (7.5-13 cm) long, dark green, turning yellow before dropping in autumn. Stems carry stout 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) thorns at the leaf axils. The species is dioecious: female trees bear spherical, yellow-green compound fruits 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) across, with a wrinkled surface and a milky latex that exudes when cut. Small green flowers appear in May and June. The wood is bright yellow, dense, and rot-resistant, historically split for fence posts and bows. Native to the Red River drainage of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, M. pomifera was planted across the central United States in the 19th century as a living, thorny stock barrier before the spread of barbed wire. It now grows well beyond its original range. The large fruit drops in autumn and can litter the ground beneath female trees, and the thorns limit placement near walkways. The species tolerates drought, poor soil, and urban conditions, and is hardy to USDA zone 4.
Native Range
Native to the Red River valley of southeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas. Widely planted and naturalized across the central and eastern United States following its 19th-century use as a hedgerow tree.Suggested Uses
Used as a windbreak, hedgerow, and shade tree on difficult sites, and as a source of durable fence posts and archery wood. Fruitless male selections are planted as street and lawn trees, spaced 25-35 feet (7.6-10.7 m) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread30' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Small green flowers open in May and June. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees; female clusters develop into the large compound fruit, while male flowers form pendulous clusters that shed pollen and drop. The flowers are inconspicuous against the foliage.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Maclura pomifera grows in full sun and tolerates a broad range of soils, including clay, loam, sand, and alkaline ground, across a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. Once established it withstands drought and needs no irrigation. The tree is hardy to USDA zone 4 and tolerates heat, wind, and urban pollution. Thorns and heavy fruit drop from female trees are the main considerations near paths and parking. Pests and diseases are few. No fertilizer is required on average soils.Pruning
Prune in late winter while dormant to establish a single leader and remove low, thorny branches over walkways. The species tolerates hard pruning and was traditionally cut and laid as a stockproof hedge. Sprout growth from the base may need periodic removal.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter