Osage Orange Tree Seeds | Hedge Apple | (Maclura pomifera)
Osage Orange Tree Seeds | Hedge Apple | (Maclura pomifera)
The hedge apple. The indestructible wood. The tree that outlasts everything.
Maclura pomifera, the Osage Orange, is one of the toughest and most utilitarian trees in North America. Known for its incredibly durable wood, thorny growth habit, and unmistakable green fruits, it has served as living fencing, firewood, and tool material for centuries. Originally native to a small region in the southern plains, it has proven itself across the country as a tree that thrives where others fail and delivers long-term value on every level.
- Exceptionally rot-resistant wood; fence posts last decades untreated
- Dense, thorny growth ideal for natural hedgerows and living fences
- Highly drought-tolerant and adaptable to poor soils
- Produces one of the highest-BTU firewoods in North America
- Historically prized as the premier wood for traditional bows
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
It burns hotter than almost anything.
Osage Orange has one of the highest BTU outputs of any North American wood, producing long-lasting, intense heat when used as firewood.
It was traded across a continent.
Indigenous peoples valued Osage Orange so highly for bow-making that it was traded thousands of miles beyond its native range.
It reshaped the Great Plains.
Millions of Osage Orange trees were planted during the Dust Bowl to form shelterbelts that reduced wind erosion. Many of those hedgerows still exist today.
Its fruit belongs to another era.
The large, brain-like fruits likely evolved for extinct megafauna like mammoths and giant sloths. Today, they mostly fall and decompose beneath the tree.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Maclura pomifera
- Stratification: Required; 30–60 days cold stratification or fall sowing
- USDA Zones: 4–9
- Soil: Extremely adaptable; tolerates poor, rocky, dry, or clay soils
- Light: Full sun
- Height: 30–60 feet
- Spread: 20–40 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (1–2 ft/year)
Plant it along a fence line and let it do the work of something that would have cost ten times as much to build.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
