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

▲▼ 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 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