« Previous Plant | Next Plant »
Maclura pomifera
Osage Orange
The glossy, dark green leaves and thorny branches are displayed on a rounded crown. Notable, grapefruit-sized, very dense, heavy drupes are produced and the trunk, bark, and roots of this tree have an orangish hue.
- » Broadly rounded crown with thorny, spreading branches
- » Leaves are ovate, glossy and dark green
- » Dioecious: insignificant, greenish male and female flowers on separate trees
- » Female flowers give way to grapefruit-sized green fruit
- » Bark, wood and roots are an orange colour
- » Bloom Time: June
Exposure
| • | Full Sun |
Growth Rate
| • | Medium |
Flowering Time
| • | Spring |
Foliage Color
| • | Green |
Planting instructions
| • | Container Plants |
Additional Information about Maclura pomifera
While the inedible fruits somewhat resemble oranges in texture, they are not related to oranges. A member of the fig family, each fruit is actually a dense cluster of hundreds of small fruits.
A bright yellow dye can be extracted from the wood, which is also very rot-resistant.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Maclura pomifera
Maclura tolerates urban pollution, drought, moisture, heat and a variety of soil conditions, including a variable pH. Can be grown as low or high stemmed tree form. Maclura branches are very thorny and sharp, making it a good hedging plant or barrier.