Maclura pomifera Seeds - Osage orange

Maclura pomifera, also known as Osage orange and hedge apple, is a deciduous diecious tree belonging to the Moraceae, or mulberry family. Maclura pomifera is native to the south central United States, particularly in areas of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and parts of Missouri. The tree can grow up to 30 to 50 feet tall with a canopy spread of 25 to 40 feet with gray-brown, rough textured bark. The branches often have sharp, stout thorns, which can be up to 1 inch long. Leaves are arranged alternatively with simple oval shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green in color and measure 3 to 5 inches long. Maclura pomifera typically blooms in late spring, around May to June, with the flowers appearing after the leaves have emerged with green flowers that are not particularly showy. These give way to large wringly orange-like fruit that have a citrusy fragrance giving this tree its common name. Maclura pomifera is grown as a source of timber for fence posts, bows, and tool handles for its du