Maclura Pomifera

Maclura pomifera is an unusual small deciduous tree or shrub also known as the Osage Orange. Although it bears orange-like fruits it isn’t related to citrus but comes from the Mulberry family. Endemic to North America, it is named after the Osage Indians of Missouri who used the wood of the tree to make bows and arrows.

Maclura pomifera develops a wide, spreading crown of thorny branches clothed in ovate, dark green leaves. In autumn, it features bright yellow autumn foliage colour accompanied by fragrant, tennis-ball-sized fruits with warty skin. The fruits are inedible but provide an ornamental display, changing from green when young to yellow/orange as they age. Maclura pomifera is a unique specimen tree for a medium to large garden. Drought tolerant when established, it suits freely-draining soils and tolerates shallow chalk. 

Males and females exist as separate trees, and male clones will require a pollination partner to set fruit whilst solitary females will produce seedless fruits. Mature height and spread: 8 to 15 metres (26–50 ft).