Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera)

2 year old bareroot seedling 12”-16" tall

Osage Orange is a spiky non edible, small tree that can form impenetrable fences when planted tightly and pruned appropriately. Hence its other name hedge apple. Though the fruit is inedible it has a use as a natural pesticide and insect repellent. The wood was highly prized for its bow making ability due to incredible strength but pliable nature. Beyond its weaponry potential  the wood has a beautiful yellow hue and is also considered a tone wood by instrument makers. Apart from its practical applications, Osage Orange is also valued for its ornamental qualities. The tree has a unique, rugged appearance, with a gnarled and twisting trunk. In the fall, it produces large, inedible, green fruits that resemble oranges, adding an unusual visual interest to landscapes.

• Soil: Osage Orange is adaptable to various soil types, thriving in everything from rich loams to clayey and sandy soils. It shows a particular fondness for well-drained soils.
• Water: While it exhibits good drought tolerance once established, Osage Orange benefits from regular watering during its growth phase, especially in dryer climates.
• Sunlight: Preferring full sun, this tree flourishes under direct sunlight, which aids in its vigorous growth and fruit production.

Historical Significance and Traditional Uses:

• Importance to Indigenous People: Historically, Osage Orange held immense value for various Native American tribes. Its wood was prized for its strength and flexibility, making it an ideal material for crafting bows, a use so prevalent that the tree is sometimes called "Bois d'Arc," which means "wood of the bow."
• Hedge Rows and Fencing: Before the advent of modern fencing, the tree was commonly planted in tight rows to serve as a natural barrier for livestock, thanks to its dense growth and thorny branches.
• Natural Dye: The wood of the Osage Orange contains a natural yellow-orange dye, which was traditionally used by indigenous people for coloring textiles.