The harvesting season for Maclura pomifera typically begins in late September and continues through October.
osage orange
Maclura pomifera
Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) is a low-maintenance, rounded deciduous tree native to North America. An attractive ornamental plant, it grows rapidly and can reach heights of up to 15m. The leaves are bright green, with the new growth having an orange tint. When crushed, the leaves smell of orange-like citrus. The fruit is spiky, teardrop-shaped and bright green, ripening to yellow-green. It is edible, although this isn’t its main use—it’s often used to make organic, rot-resistant barrier fences. The wood is valued for its hardness and resistance to insects. Osage oranges are tolerant of most soil conditions and require minimal care.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Air Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Root Suckering
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Green Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Fruits:
green,yellow,orange Fruits Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) should be watered once a week, with 1-2 inches of water. Make sure the water runs evenly throughout the soil. Osage orange trees should not be overwatered, as this can lead to root rot and other health issues. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During hot and dry summer months, it may require more frequent waterings. Observe the leaves and if they start wilting it is a sign that the plant is in serious need of water. Reduce watering when autumn and winter come around – these cold seasons generally require less water. Too much water can cause leaf drooping and defoliation.
sunlight
Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) prefers full sunlight for most of the day, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and health. Plants grown in partial shade may struggle to reach their full potential. These trees do best when placed in a location that gets the most sunlight throughout the day with some protection from late afternoon sun. They should receive direct sunlight in the morning, mid-day, and early afternoon hours. Osage orange trees appreciate a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day, particularly in warmer climates.
pruning
Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) should be pruned in late winter or early spring to promote strong and healthy growth. Before pruning, examine the outermost branches for damage, dead wood, and diseased or insect-infested growth. Remove any damaged or dead growth, and prune any diseased parts of the plant. Next, take a look at the overall shape of the plant. If needed, prune back any long branches that extend beyond the natural shape of the tree. When cutting a branch, angle the cut to direct water away from the trunk and into the branch, which helps reduce the chances of decay. Additionally, prune out any branches that cross or rub against each other, as this can cause damage. Finally, consider removing any inward-growing branches, as these can quickly overtake the center of the tree and outcompete other branches. Overall, pruning less is more when it comes to osage orange. Prune too much and you risk harming the health and form of the tree.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Osage orange typically start flowering in April.
