Osage Orange
Maclura pomifera

Description

Maclura pomifera, or osage orange, is native to regions near Ontario. This species is highly adaptable, tolerating urban pollution, a wide range of pH levels, heat, drought, and various soil types. This species is typically not recommended for planting due to its large, rough, inedible fruit that creates significant litter, along with its sharp thorns. This species can form a dense, thorny barrier and suckers freely, forming potential colonies of plants. Although this is a deterring factor, the thornless and fruitless cultivar White Shield 'White Shield' osage orange is a great choice for urban landscapes. This species is highly adaptable, tolerating urban pollution, a wide range of pH levels, heat, drought, and various soil types. Another cultivar includes Wichita 'wichita', which is a mostly thornless variety.
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Planting Site and Native Range

Planting Site
Parks, Highway, Residential, Wide Median, Restricted Urban Site

Management Notes

Management Notes
Fruit litter issues are resolved by use of male trees (i.e. Whiteshield, Wichita) Thornless cultivars may occasionally have thorns on juvenile stems, but are otherwise completely thornless

Tree Characteristics

Growth Rate
Fast (60cm or more per year)
Width
6 - 12m
Height
6 - 12m
Soil Quantity
11 - 20 m
Leaves
Deciduous

Insects and Diseases

Insects and Diseases
No serious or common issues in the urban environment.

Tree Tolerances

Soil Salt Tolerance
Tolerant
Salt Spray Tolerance
Unknown
Flooding Tolerance
High
Drought Tolerance
Very High
pH Tolerance
Tolerant of acid to alkaline soil (5.0 to 8.0)
Shade Tolerance
Full Sun
Plant Hardiness Zone
Zone 4 (a/b) | Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
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