Large, bumpy, green fruits often seen scattered across lawns are known as hedge apples. Their distinctive appearance frequently raises questions about their safety for people and pets. This article addresses common concerns regarding their potential toxicity and characteristics.
What Are Hedge Apples
Hedge apples are the fruit of the Maclura pomifera tree, commonly known as the Osage orange. It is also known by various other names, including bois d’arc, bodark, horse-apple, mock-orange, monkey ball, and monkey brains. While its fruit might resemble a large, bumpy citrus, the Osage orange belongs to the Moraceae family, which includes mulberries and figs, and is not related to true oranges.
The fruit is typically spherical, three to six inches in diameter, with a roughened, tuberculated surface. Its color changes from dull green to bright yellow-green as it ripens in fall. When cut or damaged, the fruit and stems exude a sticky, milky white sap. Native to a small region of the south-central United States, the Osage orange tree has naturalized across much of the eastern United States due to widespread historical use.
Are Hedge Apples Poisonous
Hedge apples are not considered poisonous to humans, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. While technically edible, the fruit is not palatable due to its fibrous texture and bitter flavor, and is rarely consumed. However, the milky latex sap in the fruit and stems can cause skin irritation or dermatitis upon contact for some individuals.
For pets like dogs and cats, hedge apples are non-toxic. Ingesting small amounts does not lead to serious health issues, though it may result in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the fruit’s fibrous nature. Most animals avoid eating hedge apples because of their unpleasant taste.
The primary concern for livestock, particularly cattle and horses, is not toxicity but physical obstruction. While not inherently poisonous, the fruit’s large size can cause it to become lodged in an animal’s esophagus, leading to choking and bloat, which are potentially fatal conditions. Livestock generally ignore fallen hedge apples unless other food sources are scarce. Horses have also been reported to develop mouth sores from consuming the fruit.
Safe Handling and Exposure
Exercising caution when handling hedge apples is advisable. It is recommended to wear gloves, especially when the fruit is cut or damaged, to avoid direct contact with the milky sap.
Accidental ingestion by children or pets does not pose a severe poisoning risk. However, observe for any signs of mild gastrointestinal upset, such as stomach discomfort or loose stools. If a significant quantity is ingested or symptoms persist, contact a poison control center or a veterinarian for guidance. Keeping hedge apples out of reach of young children and pets, particularly large livestock, helps prevent accidental consumption and potential choking hazards.
Common Misconceptions and Other Facts
A widespread belief suggests that hedge apples act as natural repellents for insects and rodents. Many people place these fruits around their homes, basements, or garages, hoping to deter pests like spiders, cockroaches, and mice. However, scientific research largely disproves the effectiveness of whole hedge apples as a pest deterrent in open areas.
While concentrated extracts from hedge apples have shown some repellent properties against certain insects, such as German cockroaches, mosquitoes, and houseflies in laboratory settings, the natural compounds in a whole fruit are not sufficiently concentrated to be effective in typical home environments. There is no scientific evidence to support their efficacy against spiders or rodents.
Beyond their debated pest-repellent qualities, Osage orange trees and their fruits have a rich history. Native American tribes, particularly the Osage Nation, highly valued the tree’s strong, flexible wood for crafting bows, leading to its French name “bois d’arc,” meaning “wood of the bow.” Early American settlers extensively used the thorny Osage orange trees as living fences or hedgerows to contain livestock before the advent of barbed wire.
The wood is notably durable, heavy, and rot-resistant, making it suitable for fence posts, wheel rims, and even yielding a yellow to orange dye. The trees were also planted as windbreaks in large-scale projects like the Great Plains Shelterbelt. While the fruit is generally unpalatable, squirrels are known to break them apart to access and consume the seeds. The seeds themselves are considered edible.