Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera)

 

Interesting & key characteristics:

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Height: Up to 50 feet tall

Leaves: Simple oval in shape, 3 to 5 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide

Flowers: Male tree dense clusters of light green

Fruit: Strange grapefruit size bumpy light-green fruits

Bark: Brown to orange

 

Unique benefits (how it helps our planet):

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Animals eat their seeds and the fruit can be a source for yellow dye. Also, the wood is used for archery bows and fence posts.

 

Source: Fifty Common Trees of Missouri, Missouri Department of Conservation

 

The Story Behind the Tree:

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Mrs. Santa Cruz, a former Forsyth JK teacher, was learning about silkworms, and she loved learning about the history of silk worms. She wanted to plant a mulberry tree because the worms eat their leaves. But, she found out that mulberry trees can be considered invasive. So after much research and help from Mr. Schimmelpfenig, the former Early Childhood Science Specialist, Mrs. Santa Cruz and Mr. Schim planted the Osage Orange tree because it is related to the mulberry.

 

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