How to Grow and Care for Osage orange

Osage orange, also known as Hedge apple, Horse apple, Bodock, Bow-wood, Hedge

Osage orange is a robust and adaptable plant that typically requires minimal maintenance. It thrives in full sun and is tolerant of various soil types, including those that are poor or rocky, making it a hardy choice for many landscapes. Special care points for osage orange include ensuring ample space, as osage orange can grow into a large tree with a wide root spread, and handling with caution due to its thorny nature, which can make pruning and care somewhat challenging.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Osage orange

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	5-9

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

Common Pests & Diseases

Feedback

Common issues for Osage orange based on 10 million real cases

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Download the App for Free

More General Info About Osage orange

Feedback

Quickly Identify Osage orange

Feedback

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Osage orange is a deciduous tree characterized by its distinctive, wrinkled, orange-tinged bark. It exhibits simple leaves that are arranged alternately along the branches, with a shiny dark-green surface. The standout feature of osage orange is the large, spherical fruits which can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. Although they resemble oranges, these fruits are not edible. The tree can also be identified by its milky sap that oozes from any cuts to the bark or leaves.