| Latin Name: | Maclura pommifera |
| Common Name: | Osage orange |
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Synonyms: | M. aurantiaca. Toxylon pommifera. |
| Known Hazards: | The milky sap can cause dermatitis in some people[200].
An extract and the juice of the fruit is toxic, though a 10% aqueous infusion and extract diluted 1:1 are not toxic[240]. |
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Author: (Raf.)Schneider.
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| Habit: A Medium Growing Deciduous Tree |
| Habitat: Woods, fields and thickets in rich bottom lands[73, 83]. |
| Height: 15.0 Width: 12.0 |
Cultivation Details:
Prefers a well-drained soil in full sun[200]. Succeeds in poor soils and also in dry ones[20]. Plants are fairly tolerant of maritime exposure[K]. They dislike waterlogged soils[188].
Dormant mature plants are hardy to about -20°c though the young growth in spring can be cut back by late frosts[200] and young plants can be damaged in cold winters[188]. Plants require hot summers to fully ripen their wood if they are to thrive in areas with cold winters[188].
Plants are tolerant of severe pruning[200].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
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Propagation Notes:
Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in an open seed bed[200] or in pots in a cold frame. Pre-soak stored seed 48 hours in warm water and stratify for 2 months at 4°c then sow in a cold frame[113, 200]. Germination is normally good. The seed stores for 3 years[113].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[200].
Cuttings of mature wood, November to January in a frame[113].
Layering in summer[200].
Root cuttings 4cm long in December. Plant horizontally in pots in a greenhouse and plant out as soon as possible. Good percentage[78].
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