Common Name: Osage-orange
Scientific Name: Maclura pomifera
Category: Historic tree
Comments: This historic Osage-orange tree is a male specimen (it has never produced fruit) and was estimated by several certified arborists (including former Richmond City Arborist Carl Pokorny and Arborcare's Joel Koci) to be at least 150 to 200 years old. Though it is sadly now in decline, it has thrived on the open hilltop in what is now Forest Hill Park for nearly two centuries. It has survived being surrounded by a full-blown turn-of-the-century amusement park from 1890 to 1932, and has bravely withstood some of the area's most severe climate conditions, including decades of searing summer heat, heavy ice storms, and violent assaults by wind and water, including Hurricane Isabel and Tropical Storm Gaston. This venerable old tree is deeply admired and much beloved by families and children who use the park as their outdoor amphitheater and green playground. Assuming that the tree's age estimate is accurate, this specimen could well have been standing when a young attorney, Holden Rhodes (1
Best time to photograph: Possibly early morning or evening
Nominator: Robin Ruth
This tree is not on public or publicly accessible property. The owner's name, address, and the exact location of the tree are not displayed to protect the privacy of these individuals. If you are the owner and wish to make this information public, please let us know.
County/City: Richmond City