Osage Orange 'White Shield'
Maclura pomifera
Osage Orange 'White Shield' (Maclura pomifera) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Osage orange has aggressive roots and produces large messy fruits, choose male/seedless cultivars.
low to medium water30–40 ft tall and 25–35 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: "Маклюра оранжевая (Адамово яблоко, Китайский или индийский апельсин) / Maclura pomifera / Osage orange, hedge apple, horse apple, monkey ball / Маклура / Milchorangenbaum" by katunchik is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 2: (c) Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: "Maclura pomifera Nashville" by MICHAEL BROWN is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 4: (c) Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 5: (c) Patrick Hanly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hanly
- Photo 6: "Starr 040105-0081 Maclura pomifera" by Forest & Kim Starr is licensed under CC BY 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Tolerates
- Hellstrips / parking strips, Hot south- or west-facing walls
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 30–40 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide
- Mature form
- Irregular / open
- Spacing / clearance
- ~35 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: TransplantsIt resents being moved, so start with smaller stock, plant in spring, and get the spot right the first time.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Osage Orange 'White Shield' good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Osage Orange 'White Shield' is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Osage Orange 'White Shield' only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How big does Osage Orange 'White Shield' get?
- It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide.
- How much room does Osage Orange 'White Shield' need?
- Give Osage Orange 'White Shield' about 35 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Osage Orange 'White Shield' grow into?
- Osage Orange 'White Shield' typically grows into an irregular, picturesque outline that varies from plant to plant. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Osage Orange 'White Shield' hardy on the Front Range?
- Osage Orange 'White Shield' is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Osage Orange 'White Shield' need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Osage Orange 'White Shield' grow?
- Osage Orange 'White Shield' is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Osage Orange 'White Shield' live?
- Osage Orange 'White Shield' is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Osage Orange 'White Shield' native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Osage Orange 'White Shield' deer-resistant?
- Osage Orange 'White Shield' is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
