Osage Orange

Osage Orange

An interesting member of the Mulberry family that is native to the Southeastern United States. The Osage Orange produces very large and peculiar looking fruits that have earned it names such as monkey brains and Irish snowball. They resemble a large Che fruit, and can indeed be used as a rootstock for that species. They are also useful for their wood which is prized by bow makers for its flexibility and is how we were first introduced to the species by bow maker and naturalist extraordinaire, Teage O’Connor. It’s also thought that the giant fruits evolved as such to be spread by the Pleistocene megafauna.

Latin Name: Maclura pomifera
Site and Soil: A wide range of soil and grows well in full sun to light shade.
Hardiness: Hardy to about -30° F.
Bearing Age: 4-5 years before significant harvest
Size at Maturity: 25-5o feet tall at maturity
Bloom Time: Spring
USDA Zone: 4-9
Pests & Diseases: We have not observed pest or disease damage on Osage Orange