Osage-orange
Maclura pomifera
Also listed as Ioxylon pomiferum, Toxylon pomiferum
Also known as Hedge Apple, Bois D'arc, Horse Apple
Climate Match for your location
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A thorny deciduous tree native to the south-central United States, producing large, distinctive bumpy yellow-green fruits and excellent fall foliage. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established, it is prized for wildlife habitat and was historically used as a natural hedge.
Why grow it
Osage-orange offers superior hardiness and drought tolerance compared to many ornamental hedging species, making it valuable for low-input landscapes in the central and southern U.S. Its dense, thorny growth naturally deters browsing wildlife and creates effective windbreaks or boundary hedges without chemical inputs. The large, distinctive fruits provide interest through late fall, and the wood is extremely durable, making fallen branches useful for mulch or erosion control in permaculture systems.
Watch out for
The heavy fruit drop can create a maintenance consideration in cultivated landscapes, particularly near walkways or seating areas where the hard, bumpy fruits may present a minor hazard. Growth is relatively slow initially, so establishing hedge density requires patience and proper spacing. The tree's vigorous root system and allelopathic properties (growth compounds it releases) can inhibit nearby plantings, so site it with consideration for neighboring species.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Moraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
South-central United States
Native to: Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A thorny deciduous tree native to the south-central United States, producing large, distinctive bumpy yellow-green fruits and excellent fall foliage. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established, it is prized for wildlife habitat and was historically used as a natural hedge.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Osage-orange grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Osage-orange offers superior hardiness and drought tolerance compared to many ornamental hedging species, making it valuable for low-input landscapes in the central and southern U.S. Its dense, thorny growth naturally deters browsing wildlife and creates effective windbreaks or boundary hedges without chemical inputs. The large, distinctive fruits provide interest through late fall, and the wood is extremely durable, making fallen branches useful for mulch or erosion control in permaculture systems.
Watch out for
The heavy fruit drop can create a maintenance consideration in cultivated landscapes, particularly near walkways or seating areas where the hard, bumpy fruits may present a minor hazard. Growth is relatively slow initially, so establishing hedge density requires patience and proper spacing. The tree's vigorous root system and allelopathic properties (growth compounds it releases) can inhibit nearby plantings, so site it with consideration for neighboring species.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Moraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
South-central United States
Native to: Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
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