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Osage Orange

Maclura Pomifera

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Overview

The Osage Orange, Maclura pomifera, is a robust, deciduous tree, native to North America, reaching 20-40 feet in height and spread. Known for its dense, thorny branches, it yields inedible, wrinkled, green "monkey brains" fruit, up to 6 inches in diameter. Suited for windbreaks or privacy hedges, this tree thrives in full sun and adapts to various soils but prefers well-drained sites. Seasonal yellow foliage provides autumn appeal.

Sun Full, HalfWater HighZones 4–9Climate Subtropical

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
High
USDA zones
4–9

Shape & size

Mature height
35–60 Ft.
Mature width
35–60 Ft.

Classification

Family
Moraceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (34)

Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — reaching 20-40 feet in height and spread
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — up to 6 inches in diameter
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — green "monkey brains" fruit
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — Seasonal yellow foliage provides autumn appeal
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — this tree thrives in full sun and adapts to various soils but prefers well-drained sites
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — Suited for windbreaks or privacy hedges
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — scientifically known as Maclura pomifera
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — the Osage Orange thrives in a wide range of soil types
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — Originating from the South-Central regions of the United States
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — this species can reach remarkable heights of 30 to 50 feet
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — with a canopy spread of a similar dimension
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — and full sunlight to partial shade
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — This hardy tree is especially noteworthy for its dense
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — along with its dense foliage
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — are not true fruits but rather multiple fruits
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — make the Osage Orange an excellent choice for creating windbreaks and natural barriers
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — With leaves turning bright yellow in the fall, it provides seasonal interest and contrast within the landscape
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — tree for full or half
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — green "monkey brains" fruit; the Osage Orange thrives in a wide range of soil types
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — reaching 20-40 feet in height and spread; suited for windbreaks or privacy hedges
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — Suited for windbreaks or privacy hedges; scientifically known as Maclura pomifera
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — up to 6 inches in diameter; tree for full or half
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — this tree thrives in full sun and adapts to various soils but prefers well-drained sites; are not true fruits but rather
Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) — Seasonal yellow foliage provides autumn appeal; up to 6 inches in diameter

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