The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Denmark Osage-orange, Denmark hedge-apple

Family: Moraceae (mulberry family)

Distribution: Species native to s.-c. United States, Mexico

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: A fast-growing, deciduous tree with glossy, dark green leaves. Greenish flowers are insignificant but this male selection means no large, green fruit produced as on female specimens. This is a thorn-free selection that is a vigorous clone, growing 30-40' tall and wide, usually low-branched. The bark becomes orange-brown with irregular fissures. Very adaptable and tough tree, tolerating even poor, wet or dry soils and is deer browse resistant. Use as a shade tree or a windbreak. Best sited in full sun, moist, well-drained soil.