Osage Orange

Osage Orange, Hedgeapple, Bois d'Arc Tree

Maclura pomifera

Moraceae (Fig or Mulberry Family)

▲ Mature tree at Roaring River State Park in Missouri

▲ Fruit

▲ ▼ Leaves

▲ the tree had minimal damage after 2007 ice storm in Springfield, MO

Location near Missouri State University campus: in Phelps Grove Park, south of campus

Maclura pomifera: Osage Orange, Hedgeapple; Bois d’Arc Tree

leaves alternate, deciduous, simple, ovate with pointed tip; very glossy; 2-4" long and 1/2 as wide
stems tan; bark deeply furrowed, orange-brown; young twigs may have 1" long thorns
trees are dioecious--female trees have large, green, grapefruit-like "hedgeapples"
hedgeapples produce insect repelling chemicals
very soil tolerant on all but very wet soils
grows 30-60' tall with irregular crown--often narrow when crowded, broad-spreading when grown in the open
medium to fast growth rate
native to Missouri
male trees are good shade/landscape trees worth keeping if already established