Osage Orange
Arbor walk #45, TreeKeeper ID #2621
This medium-sized tree has a short trunk and rounded crown. It produces large fruit (8-15 cm in diameter) which is roughly spherical, bumpy, and turns bright yellow-green in the fall. The tree is not related to the Orange tree, and its common name refers to the coloration of its bark and the superficial resemblance of its fruit to an orange rather than any genetic relationship. While the wild-type tree does bear inedible, grapefruit-sized fruit which is most closely related to a fig, the ‘White Shield’ cultivar does not bear fruit. This fruitless variety is generally chosen to be planted alongside trees and sidewalks where the fruit will not become an impediment to the walkway. It is also thornless, and has better heat and drought tolerance compared to the species tree.
| Common Name | Osage Orange |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Maclura pomifera |
| Indigenous Name(s) | Miami: oonsaawaahkwa |
| Cultivar/Variety | ‘White Shield’ |
| Commercial Name |
Global Distribution
GPS Coordinates
N/A
Percent Concrete
N/A
Distance to Buildings
| Year | Close Building #1 | Close Building #2 | Close Building #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Mallinckrodt Center, 35.03 m | Whittemore House, 53.79 m | Stix International House, 56.25 m |
Distance to Other Species
| Year | Close Species #1 | Close Species # 2 | Close Species # 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Kentucky Coffeetree, 10.14 m | Pin Oak, 12.42 m | Pin Oak, 14.12 m |
Standard Measurements
| Year | Height (m) | DBH (cm) | Caliper (m) | Crown Diameter N-S (m) | Crown Diameter E-W (m) | Average Crown Diameter (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6.1786 | 10.3 | N/A | 3.95 | 4.62 | 4.285 |
| 2023 | 8.38 | 18 | N/A | 4.5 | 6.3 | 5.4 |
Nests and Pests
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Most branches covered in dark clusters of what looked like scale (but could be gall or fungus) 1 shallow hole made by large boring insect; Sawdust and silk present Scattered, small patches of white fungus/lichen |
Leaf Identification
The Osage Orange has bright green, simple, alternate, oblong-shaped leaves with acuminate (tapering) tips and entire margins.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twigs are green to orange brown and zig-zag, with thorns under leaf scars and an absent terminal bud. Thus, the buds are instead lateral, and, in the wild-type tree, will be located right above each thorn. The twigs release a milky sap when broken.
Bark Identification
The Osage Orange has orange-brown, stripy bark that develops deep fissures with age.
Fruit Identification
The fruit is a distinct, 4-5 inches, citrus smelling, yellow drupe with a surface that resembles brains or coral. It contains a milky, sticky liquid and many flat seeds. It is not edible for humans or most wildlife. The fruit emerges in fall.
Flower Identification
The Osage Orange is a dioecious species but neither male nor female flower is showy. The flowers emerge in early summer.
