Osage Orange Tree – Maclura pomifera
The Osage Orange Tree is a tough, fast-growing, and extremely resilient tree known for its striking green, grapefruit-sized fruits and strong, rot-resistant wood. This hardy species is valued for windbreaks, living fences, wildlife habitat, and long-term homestead planting.
Key Features
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Extremely hardy, drought-tolerant tree
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Fast-growing and long-lived
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Distinctive bumpy green fruits
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Dense wood—one of the strongest North American hardwoods
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Excellent for hedges, windbreaks, and wildlife cover
Mature Size & Growth Habit of the Osage Orange
The Osage Orange develops a dense, full crown with strong upright branches.
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Height: 30–50 ft (9–15 m)
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Spread: 20–40 ft (6–12 m)
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Naturally forms a thick, impenetrable hedge when planted densely
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Thorny branches create excellent livestock barriers (natural fencing)
Fruit & Wildlife Value
The large green fruits, sometimes called “hedge apples,” are not typically eaten by humans, but they offer other benefits:
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Wildlife uses the fruit for shelter and forage
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Seeds attract squirrels and small mammals
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Fruits add ornamental and seasonal interest
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Historically believed to deter insects when placed in barns or basements
Growing Conditions
Osage Orange is one of the easiest trees to grow:
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Hardy in Zones 4–9
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Thrives in full sun
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Tolerates poor soil, clay, drought, and wind
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Resistant to disease and pests
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Great for homesteads, farms, and natural wind barriers
Why Grow an Osage Orange?
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One of the most durable woods in North America
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Historically prized for making bows
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Excellent as a natural living fence
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Great long-term tree for shelterbelts
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Low-maintenance and extremely tough
What You’ll Receive
Your Osage Orange tree is shipped bare-root in early spring, ready for planting. Strong, healthy seedlings grown with care ensure fast establishment and long-term success.
Tough, Adaptable, and Perfect for Challenging Sites
The Osage Orange is one of the most adaptable trees you can plant. It thrives where many other species struggle — dry fields, windy hilltops, poor soil, and heavy clay are no problem. Once established, it requires almost no care. This makes it an excellent choice for property owners who want a reliable, long-lived tree with minimal maintenance.
Natural Windbreak and Shelterbelt
This tree excels at creating strong wind protection. Its dense branching, fast growth, and deep root system make it a dependable shelterbelt species. Plant in rows for a long-lasting windbreak that will protect gardens, livestock, and buildings. The Osage Orange maintains its strength and form even in tough storms, offering consistent environmental benefits year after year.
Living Fences and Homestead Use
Historically, Osage Orange earned the nickname “hedge tree” because it was widely planted as a living fence before barbed wire was invented. When planted densely, the thorny branches form an almost impenetrable barrier. Homesteaders and farmers still use it today for natural fencing, wildlife corridors, and boundary lines. It offers a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to wooden or metal fencing.
Unique Fruits and Old-World Character
The striking green “hedge apples” add seasonal charm and curiosity to the landscape. While not commonly eaten, the fruit is unique and decorative. The seeds attract wildlife, and many people enjoy using the fruit for fall displays. Its unusual appearance makes the tree a conversation piece in gardens and farmyards.
Exceptionally Strong Wood
The wood of Osage Orange is incredibly dense and rot resistant — one of the most durable woods in North America. Historically, Indigenous communities prized it for making powerful, long-lasting bows. Even today, the wood is valued for fence posts, tool handles, and specialty woodworking. Its durability ensures that any fallen branches or cuttings can be repurposed for practical use.
Suitability for Canadian Growers
Despite its southern origin, Osage Orange performs surprisingly well in parts of Canada. It thrives in:
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Southern Ontario
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Southern Quebec
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Nova Scotia (in warmer or protected sites)
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Maritime microclimates
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Prairie shelterbelts (zone-dependent)
Its cold hardiness, drought tolerance, and adaptability make it a smart long-term planting choice for eco-conscious growers and rural landowners.
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