Common Name: Osage-orange
Scientific Name: Maclura pomifera
Category: Unique tree
Comments: This 150-200 year-old Osage Orange is located in a picturesque picnic area overlooking John H. Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake) in North Bend Park, named for the old plantation that once stood along the shores of the Roanoke River. Encircling the gnarled trunk and twisted limbs of the old tree, and along its drip line, are four smaller Osage Orange trees presenting the image of a parent surrounded by its children. Oral history, wire embedded within its trunk, and ceramic shards found near the tree tell us that this Osage Orange is located on an old homestead, and this makes it likely that the tree was planted as a windbreak by an early settler. There are other Osage Oranges in Southside Virginia, but not many are as large, as old, or as majestic as this one. Nor are they located in such a serene and beautiful location as this Osage Orange, surrounded by its progeny on the shores of Buggs Island Lake.
Best time to photograph: Summer, morning
Nominator: Michael Dodd
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: Mecklenburg