The large, green fruit produced by the Osage orange tree, often referred to as “horse apples,” is the subject of frequent inquiry regarding equine consumption. These fruits, botanically known as Maclura pomifera, are characterized by a bumpy, irregular surface and a milky sap. While the name suggests a connection to horses, the actual relationship is more nuanced.
Historically, the Osage orange tree’s durable wood was valued for tool handles and wagon wheels. The tree also served as a natural barrier when planted densely, before the widespread use of barbed wire. Regarding the fruit itself, anecdotal evidence offers conflicting accounts. Some horse owners report their animals ignoring the fruit entirely, while others suggest limited nibbling or exploration, especially when other forage is scarce. There’s no widespread documentation of detrimental effects from limited ingestion, but the fruit is not considered a preferred or nutritionally significant food source for horses.
