Commonly called Osage-orange or hedge apple, this medium-sized tree has a short trunk and rounded crown with large globular fruit produced by female trees. Osage-orange produces large fruit, tends to have an aggressive nature, and is considered invasive in some areas of the United States. Osage-orange suckers freely and with its thorns can quickly become an impenetrable hedge row.
- Family (English) Mulberry
- Family (botanic) Moraceae
- Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Wide median
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale North America
- Size range Small tree (15-25 feet), Medium tree (25-40 feet)
- Mature height 20-40 feet
- Mature width 20-40 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Drought tolerance Moderately tolerant
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Occasional flooding, Road salt, Wet sites
- Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, late fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Arching, Irregular, Round
- Growth rate Moderate
- Transplants well Yes
- Planting considerations Aggressive, Dangerous thorns, May be difficult to find in nurseries
- Wildlife Small mammals
- Has cultivars Yes
