Osage orange, planting guide and care work
Published on: March 15, 2022 Modified on: 27 April 2024
Osage orange (Maclura pomifera), commonly named “horse apple”, is a small, thorny ornamental tree that is part of the Moraceae family. The Osage orange is native to the central-southern part of the United States.
The tree can reach a height of up to 15 meters. Initially, the shoots are green, then turn light brown and form straight, strong spikes. The leaves are oval, simple, alternatively arranged. The fruit is compound (polydrupe), globular, light green, with a diameter between 10-15 cm. The fruit secretes a whitish latex when cut or damaged. Although they have a pleasant, fragrant smell, the fruits are not edible.
The Osage orange can be used to form a hedge when planted in alignment, creating an effective barrier. Its wood is durable and is used in construction.
Environmental conditions
Light. Osage orange grows and develops well in sunny places, but it also tolerates partial shade.
Temperature. The tree is resistant to low or high temperatures. Insufficiently developed young shoots can be affected by early frosts.
Soil. It does not have high soil requirements, and can be grown on soils with a high content of clay, sand, as well as on acidic or alkaline soils. Although it tolerates damper soils, it is important to ensure good drainage, avoiding water stagnation at the root level.
Care
Watering
It is done moderately, leaving the soil to dry before watering again. Occasional watering at greater soil depths during dry periods helps the tree maintain its vigor.
Fertilization
Fertilizers are applied if the tree is growing slowly or if nutritional deficiencies are observed. It reacts well to the application of granular and foliar fertilizers.
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Pruning
When the plants are young, shape corrections are recommended. Thus, some of the shoots will be removed and a strong, vertical branch will be kept, with skeleton branches evenly spaced. Subsequently, the shoots grown at the base of the tree will be removed, as well as the damaged or improperly grown branches.
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When making cuttings, it is recommended to use gloves to protect yourself from thorns.
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Propagation
It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. To interrupt the dormancy period and allow them to germinate, the seeds will be layered at cold for about 30 days or kept in water for 48 hours (before sowing).
When propagated by cuttings, they will be harvested from new growths (in summer) or root cuttings will be used (in winter).
Planting
It can be done in spring or autumn, during the dormancy period, at temperatures above 5 °C, if the soil is not frozen and there is no danger of frost.
Diseases and pests
It is rarely attacked by pests or diseases. However, in conditions of high humidity at the roots, it can be affected by soil diseases such as Verticillium.
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Additionally:
- Despite its appearance, the Osage orange is not related to the orange tree. It is part of the mulberry and fig family (Moraceae).
- It is a dioecious plant (male and female flowers are found on different plants), and pollination is anemophilous.
- A yellow dye can be obtained from wood.