ROCKFORD — The Natural Land Institute has named an Osage Orange tree in Ogle County as its September Tree of the Month, recognizing its size, history, and community significance. The 48-foot-tall tree, planted during the Dust Bowl era, features a wide crown and large yellow-green fruit. Alan Branhagen, Executive Director of Natural Land Institute said it is a great example.
“ That tree was brought to our attention by Michael Rummel. His dad farmed the property around it and he lives nearby and his son likes to climb that tree and his daughters used to collect them. It’s an Osage orange, or hedge apple tree, it is really a significant size and that tree has a lot of history around it, as a species. So it was to us, the perfect tree for September,” he said.
The Legacy Tree Program highlights notable trees across the institute’s 12-county region and accepts nominations from private and public landowners.