Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Deciduous Tree
Plant Family: Moraceae
Plant Description: Despite its name, this medium-sized deciduous tree is not related to oranges but rather belongs in the fig family. The wood was used by the Osage tribe of the Sioux people to make bows. The leaves are ovate and shiny dark green, the branches are covered with long thorns and the bark is deeply rigged and slightly orange. If male and female trees are present, produces a large inedible compound fruit with wrinkly green skin. The tree tolerates drought but prefers plenty of water. It is also tolerant of heat, wind and a variety of soil conditions. Native to Texas but has naturalized in many other states, including Utah.
Maintenance:
Maintenance Type: Tree - Deciduous
Plant Care: Tree - Deciduous (single-stemmed woody plants that lose their leaves every winter): Prune regularly to promote health, provide air circulation, maintain a desirable shape, and to remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring for most trees. With spring blooming trees, prune after the blooms are spent. Choose species that are resistant to pest damage. Monitor the tree for pests, diseases or other ailments on a regular basis. Protect the trunk especially where maintenance activities, such as mowing, may cause damage. Newly planted trees in areas with high exposure should have the trunk protected during the winter.
Plant Attributes:
Mature Size: 30-60' tall x 20-40' wide
Utah Native: No
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: No
Localscapes: Tree, Perimeter Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Dark Green
Bloom Colors: Green, Inconspicuous
Bloom Seasons: Early Summer
Bloom Period: Jun - Jun
Growing Conditions:
Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun), Part Shade (4-6 hrs morning sun), Part Sun (4-6 hrs afternoon sun)
Irrigation Requirement: 
Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Deer Resistant: Unknown
Garden Location:
-
Not on display
- Not on display
Garden Staff Tips & Insights:
Grows well, but fast. This may cause the overall tree to be brittle.
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Spring -
Summer -
Fall -
Winter
