Where is Osage Orange naturally found?

Maclura pomifera is native to Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas.

When does Osage Orange bloom?

Osage Orange typically blooms from March through May.

What growing conditions does Maclura pomifera prefer?

Osage Orange grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun. It adapts to various moisture levels from dry to wet soils, making it extremely drought tolerant once established.

What is the growth habit of Osage Orange?

Maclura pomifera grows as a medium to large deciduous tree, often developing a broad, irregular crown with thorny branches.

Is Osage Orange toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Osage Orange as toxic to livestock.

Is Osage Orange HOA-friendly?

Osage Orange takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Osage Orange

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Maclura pomifera

Last reviewed: June 2026

Maclura pomifera (Osage Orange) is a deciduous tree native to Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas. This hardy species blooms from March through May and tolerates diverse growing conditions.

Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera) — Photo: (c) Patrick Hanly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hanly

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Osage Orange as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–480" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AR, NC, OK, TX

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Osage Orange is a large, hardy deciduous tree native to Texas with a broad, rounded crown. It produces distinctive large, green, bumpy fruits and has thorny branches, making it better suited for rural or large property settings than suburban landscapes.

Growing Osage Orange

Grow Osage Orange in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Osage Orange takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Best suited for backyard or with special approval

Wildlife value

The tree provides nesting sites for birds and the large fruits attract various wildlife. Wind-pollinated flowers support some beneficial insects during spring blooming period.

Common questions

Where is Osage Orange naturally found?: Maclura pomifera is native to Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas.
When does Osage Orange bloom?: Osage Orange typically blooms from March through May.
What growing conditions does Maclura pomifera prefer?: Osage Orange grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun. It adapts to various moisture levels from dry to wet soils, making it extremely drought tolerant once established.
What is the growth habit of Osage Orange?: Maclura pomifera grows as a medium to large deciduous tree, often developing a broad, irregular crown with thorny branches.
Is Osage Orange toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Osage Orange as toxic to livestock.
Is Osage Orange HOA-friendly?: Osage Orange takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Osage Orange fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

See it in the app

iPhone app Android app