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Osage orange

How to identify Osage orange (Maclura pomifera)

Osage orange, also known as Hedge, Monkey Brains, Mock-Orange, Monkey ball, Hedge apple

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.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Osage orange

1

Large, spherical fruits up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, resembling oranges but inedible.

2

Distinctive orange-brown to gray-brown stem bark with zigzag pattern and stout spines.

3

Shiny dark-green lanceolate leaves, 2 1/2 to 5 inches (6.5 to 12.7 cm) long.

4

Rugged, deeply furrowed trunk with orange-brown coloration and ridged bark.

5

Milky sap oozes from stem and leaves when cut, aiding in identification.

Osage orangeOsage orangeOsage orangeOsage orangeOsage orange

Detailed Traits of Osage orange

Leaf Features

The leaves of osage orange are shiny and dark green on top, with a lighter green and slightly pubescent underside. They are lanceolate to ovate in shape, measuring 2 1/2 to 5 inches (6.5 to 12.7 cm) long and 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches (3.8 to 6.4 cm) wide. The margins are smooth to slightly wavy. Petioles are thin, 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long, may have some hairs, and release a milky sap when broken.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

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Flower Features

The flowers of osage orange exhibit a dimorphic trait. Male flowers are remarkably small, measuring about 1/8 inch (3 mm), and are organized in dangling racemes 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long from leaf axils. Female flowers form green, globular heads roughly 3/4-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) in diameter, sometimes in clusters of 2 or 3. Each head contains up to 200 minuscule flowers with a hair-like appearance. Blooming occurs from late spring to early summer, facilitated by wind pollination.

Osage orange Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of osage orange exhibits a distinctive orange-brown to gray-brown smooth bark that follows a somewhat zigzag pattern. It features stout spines ranging from 1/4 to 1 inch (0.6 to 2.5 cm) in length and exudes latex sap when cut. New stems are green and typically square in cross-section (tetrate). These characteristics, particularly the color, texture, and presence of spines, are crucial for identifying the stem of osage orange.

Osage orange Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of osage orange is a distinctive syncarp resembling a large, yellow-green citrus fruit, roughly 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter. Its surface is notably wrinkled and bears a tough rind. When cut open, the fruit reveals a cluster of drupes and emits a milky latex sap. Due to these characteristics, such as shape, color, and unique texture, it is easily recognizable despite being inedible for human consumption.

Osage orange Fruit image
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Key Facts About Osage orange

Attributes of Osage orange
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
8 m to 20 m
Spread
12 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Green
Yellow
Fruit Color
Green
Yellow
Gold
Stem Color
Brown
Orange
Green
Gray
Silver
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Osage orange

Family
Mulberry
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Genus
Maclura
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Species
Osage orange (Maclura pomifera)
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Distribution Map of Osage orange

Osage orange is native to the woodlands, savannas and pastures of many states in the US. It has been introduced to other US states, Argentina, and some countries in Eurasia. The plant is grown ornamentally in the US where it is used for hedging.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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