University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension - Selecting Trees for Your Home
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector
Osage Orange, Hedgeapple
Maclura pomifera
Osage Orange form in winter
Size:

Small
Size: medium
Medium

Large
Exposure/ Light Requirements:
Full Shade not required.
Full Shade
Full Sun required.
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade not required.
Partial Sun/Shade
Pests and Problems:

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease


Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9 
[Find Your Zone]
Mature Height: 35-50 Feet
Features: Yellow fall color; shredding gray bark exposes orange inner bark giving mild winter interest.
Culture: Full sun; tolerates both wet and dry sites; pH adaptable; tolerates wind and salt.
Cultivars:
  • 'Double O'-male (no fruit), relatively few thorns.
  • 'White Shield'-very few thorns.
  • 'Wichita'- male (no fruit), very few thorns.
Mature Form: Rounded, irregular crown and a short trunk.
Native To: United States
Soil Conditions:
Soil condition: DryDry
Soil condition: Moist, Well-DrainedMoist, Well-Drained
Soil condition: WetWet
Tolerance:
Tolerance: Alkaline SoilAlkaline Soil
Tolerance: Dry SitesDry Sites
Tolerance: SaltSalt
Soil Compaction
Tolerance: Wet SitesWet Sites
Tolerance: WindWind
Uses:
Massing
Patio
Use for: Screen.Screen
Use for: Shade.Shade
Specimen
Street
Use for: Wind Break.Wind Break
Foliage Color: Green
 
Fall Foliage Color: Yellow
 
Additional Notes: The large, grapefruit-sized fruit are a nuisance; thorny branches may also be a problem; this tree is best used in rural areas as a hedgerow, wind break or barrier.