Maclura pomifera – Osage orange, Hedge apple, Bowwood

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Moraceae

Maclura pomifera – Osage orange, Hedge apple, Bowwood

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Maclura is monotypical genus, which means that there is only one species and it grows in the wild in the south of the United States. It is named after the Osage-indians because they used the wood of this tree for, among other things, bows and arrows. The crown is wide and more or less flattened. The branches have sharp spines, which is why it is much used for hedging in North America. There are various leaf shapes, however, the top is always long acuminate, the autumn colouring is yellow. It is a dioecious tree: there are female and male specimen. The inconspicuous inflorescence is followed by fragrant fruits that slightly resemble oranges. The warty fruit skin is green yellow at first, but turns orange yellow later. Moderate hardiness.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2024.
Availability
Multi-stem (4)
Specifications
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Height
10 - 15 (20) m
Crown
wide spreading to round, dark, dense crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
bark orange brown to grey brown, twigs olive green, spines
Leaf
ovoid to ovate, dark green, 4 - 15 cm
Autumn colour
yellow
Flowers
inconspicuous, green, dioecious, June
Fruits
yellow green to orange yellow warty fruit, Ø 8 - 14 cm
Spines/thorns
Yes
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
fertile, calcareous
Soil moisture
suitable for dry soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
6b (-20,5 to -17,8 °C)
Wind resistance
moderate
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6)
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
south (west) United States
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree acid soil calcareous soil clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for dry soil 1st size , taller than 12 metres dense crown green green average growing Attractive autumn colour non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing Ornamental fruit yes
Frequently asked questions
Maclura pomifera

Maclura pomifera can eventually reach a height of 10 - 15 (20) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Maclura pomifera is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 10 - 15 (20) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Maclura pomifera turn yellow in autumn.

The right time to plant Maclura pomifera is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Maclura pomifera with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Maclura pomifera blooms in june.
General