OSAGE ORANGE
Native: South-Central United States Family: moraceae
The Osage Orange tree's purpose evolved as history developed. Early Osage tribes utilized the wood for bow making and valued trading. Later, when early colonial settlers discovered the flexibility of the wood, they employed it for wagon wheels and furniture making.
The thorny compact branches from the tree were used as security hedges throughout history prior to the introduction of barbed wire.
BOWS made from Osage Orange wood
Flowers that pollinate
The fruit of the Osage orange tree, grows only on females of the species.
Osage Orange also known as Hedge Apples are used for feeding livestock and NOT for human consumption.
Bark sample