Osage Orange Tree - 20 Heirloom Seeds - Non GMO Seeds

The Osage Orange Tree, scientifically known as Maclura pomifera, is a species of small to medium-sized deciduous trees native to the central and southern regions of the United States. Here are some key features:

1.

Appearance: Mature Osage Orange trees can reach heights of 30-50 feet. The bark is thick and deeply furrowed, giving it a rugged appearance. The leaves are glossy and dark green in color, turning yellow in the fall.

2.

Fruit: The tree is best known for its unusual fruit, often referred to as Osage oranges or hedge apples. These fruits are large (typically 4 to 6 inches in diameter), round, and covered with a rough, bumpy surface. Despite the name, these fruits are not true oranges. They are a bright green color and have a dense texture.

3.

Growth: Osage Orange trees are hardy and drought resistant. They can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefer well-drained soil and full sun.

4.

Use: Traditionally, the wood from Osage Orange trees was used by the Osage Nation and other Native American tribes to make bows, hence another common name, "Bow Wood." Today, the wood is often used for fence posts because of its durability and resistance to rot and pests. The fruit, while not typically consumed by humans due to its bitter taste and milky sap.

5.

Hardiness: These trees are typically hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, meaning they can withstand a range of temperatures.

6.

Flowers: In late spring, the trees produce inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers. The trees are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate trees.