Osage Orange

Maclura pomifera

Osage orange, or “hedge maple,” is a unique small to medium sized shade tree. Its orange colored wood is strong and extremely rot-resistant, and its bark furrowed with an orange tinge. Only male trees or “fruitless” varieties should be planted in the city, as female trees grow fruits which can be larger than softballs and are messy when they fall.

Size and Light Requirements

In full sun, the osage orange can reach 30 feet in height in 40 years.

Plant This Tree

You can get up to $50 for planting this tree yourself through our Tree Rebate Program.

Find Another Tree

All the trees in this guide have been selected by Casey Trees and are well adapted to the soil and conditions present in Washington, DC.

Photo Credits

Regina Kreger, MONGO, H. Zell, USCapitol