Near Brookneal in Campbell County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Osage Orange Tree
(Maclura pomifera)
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2026
1. Osage Orange Tree Marker
Though not native to Virginia, it is believed that the Osage orange tree at Red Hill came from the southcentral part of the continent through the inter-tribal trade system. The Saponi Indians, who lived along the Staunton River until the early 1700s, were known to have traded with native people as far away as the Ohio River valley. Pottery and projectile points from their early settlements have been found along the riverbanks of Red Hill.
The Osage orange tree was unknown to most Americans until the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1804, Lewis sent cuttings of the fruit, which he had obtained through the Osage Indians, to Thomas Jefferson, writing: The Osage Apple is a native to the interior of the continent So much do the Indians esteem the wood of the tree for the purpose of making their bows, they would travel many hundreds of miles in quest of it.
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Although the Osage orange is a member of the Moracceae family, which includes the mulberry and fig, this Osage orange tree is a male and does not produce fruit. The fruit of the female Osage orange tree produces is the size of a grapefruit and is often referred to as a horse apple or hedge apple. The fruit is inedible by humans, but the seeds are eaten by some wildlife.
Erected by Patrick Henry National Memorial.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2017.
Location. 37° 1.943′ N, 78° 53.859′ W. Marker is near Brookneal, Virginia, in Campbell County. It can be reached from County
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2026
2. Osage Orange Tree Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont and in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Nancy Case Kelly Memorial Herb Garden (here, next to this marker); Henry's Law Office (here, next to this marker); Last Law Office of Patrick Henry (a few steps from this marker); Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); The Henry House (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Family Graveyard (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2026
3. Osage Orange Tree
The Patrick Henry House at Red Hill Plantation is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
