A hedge apple tree, also known as Maclura pomifera or Osage orange, is a species of deciduous, flowering, fruit bearing trees native to North America. It belongs to the family Moraceae and is a wild, cultivated and naturalized species of Morus and Indigofera. The hedge apple is highly ornamental and is valued for its bright green foliage, fragrant flowers and red-orange fruit. The tree is relatively short, ranging from 18-24 feet in height, with a symmetrical, rounded canopy and a stout, short trunk. It is drought-tolerant and display attractive seedlings and fruit.
The hedge apple tree is popularly used in landscaping and horticulture, with its bright dense canopy and tough, spineless fruits making its ideal for screening and windbreaks. Besides excellent wind and soil erosion control, the hedge apple tree is great for erosion backfill, providing a nutrient-rich low soil surface for property borders. Not to mention the fruit is edible, possessing a pleasant flavor and great for making jams and jellies when ripened.
The hedge apple tree is versatile in that it is also a great choice for slow-growing, tough hardwood lumber and charcoal. Its wood is known for its light color and unique grain pattern, making it used for crafting a variety of furniture, tools and other objects. As for charcoal, it is used in barter trades commonly around the world. The bark and leaves have also been used for a wide range of medicinal purposes and are extracted for their anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiviral, and sedative properties.
Hedge apple trees thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soils and increases with effort. However, it is not drought-tolerant so regular watering and additional nutrients are highly recommended. Additionally, the hedge apple tree is slow-growing, reaching maturity in between 6-10 years, though it can live longer than a century with proper care and maintenance.
The hedge apple tree is a rewarding tree species to have on your property and its ornamental, practical and medicinal properties are beneficial to any landscape. Along with providing excellent erosion control and slow-growing hardwood lumber, the fruit of the tree is edible and makes good jams and jellies when ripened, while the leaves and bark have medicinal properties. Hedges and other cool season crops can also be planted under the tree’s canopy and grow in the mild, drought-tolerant environment the hedge apple tree provides.
Folklore of the Hedge Apple Tree
In North American folklore, there are several tales and beliefs about the hedge apple tree. It is said that the fruit can be used to repel bugs, evil spirits, and witches due to its strong, pungent smell. Some tribes of indigenous people believed the tree was home to the Great Spirit, while the Osage tribe in Kansas closely associated it with protection. It is also said that the wood of the hedge apple tree has healing and religious properties, making it a ritualistic object for some tribes.
Animal Use of the Hedge Apple Tree
Animals also frequent hedge apple trees, thanks to the fruit, nectar and pollen they offer. Birds, bees, and other species of pollinators are attracted to the fragrant creamy white flowers, while the fruit provides food to other animals such as rabbits, possums, and squirrels. The hedge apple tree also offer habitat to many different insect and animal species, playing a major role in local ecosystems and providing an important source of food and shelter.
Effects and Potential Uses
Hedge apple tree stem extracts have been reported to demonstrate antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting potential therapeutic applications. In addition, the compounds present in the hedge apple tree have potential applications in antibiotics, insecticides, and biopesticides. Its natural compounds may also help in the development of anticancer drugs and improve the yield of crops.
Agricultural Importance
Another important use of hedge apples treed is in agricultural production. Its deep and dense shade makes it a good choice for crop cover and provides an environment for farmers to cultivate mushrooms, fruit, vegetables, and tubers. Hedge apple trees also fix nitrogen into the soil and improve the fertility of the earth, making it an essential part of any crop rotation for farmers.
Environmental Benefits and Uses
The hedge apple tree also offers multiple environmental benefits. Along with providing food and shelter for many animals, it helps absorb and bind carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing the amount of global warming by trapping the carbon and storing it in its branches. Additionally, the tough roots and canopy protect and preserve the soil, making it an important asset in the fight against soil erosion.
