Osage-oranges are deciduous trees with axillary thorns. Buds are imbricate with few scales. Leaves are alternate, oblong in outline, and have an entire leaf margin. Flowers are dioecious. Fruit is a large, fleshy aggregate structure.
Maclura (Toxylon) pomifera–Osage-Orange
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| Osage orange (Bois D'Arc) |
Osage orange (Bois D'Arc)–Maclura (Toxylon) pomifera
The osage-orange is found distributed throughout the state, but does not as a rule occur as a forest tree. It grows chiefly in open fields and along fence rows. It was widely planted as a hedge during the last century, as it could retain animals such as bulls and boars. Occasionally it reaches a height of 60 feet and a diameter of 30 inches, but usually it is found from 20—40 feet in height and from 4—12 inches in diameter. This tree is sometimes used for shade or for hedges, but is primarily used as living fence posts.
The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval in outline. The leaf tip is pointed. Foliage is a handsome and lustrous green on the upper surface. Leaves are 2—5 inches (5—12 cm) long and 2—3 inches (5—71/2 cm) wide. Foliage color is bright yellow in the autumn.
Terminal buds are absent. Buds are small and partially imbedded in the twig. Stems are thorny, or spiny, and heavily armed. Sap of fresh twigs is milky. Bark is light green to light brown on medium-sized branches and sometimes tinged with yellow. Trunks on old trees are deeply furrowed and have dark orange furrows. The bark contains tannin and has been used for tanning leather.
The yellowish flowers appear in May. They are dioecious. The male flowers are borne in a linear cluster or catkin. Since the male flowers are borne on separate trees, it is possible to select for fruitless trees. Female flowers are round balls that are 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter. The female flower yields the globular, 2—5 inches (5—13 cm) in diameter, fruit that resembles a very rough, green orange, which gives rise to the common name. A selection known as White Sword is thornless and fruitless. White Sword should make an outstanding urban tree.
The wood is heavy, exceedingly hard, very strong, and is durable in contact with the soil. The heartwood is bright orange in color, turning brown upon exposure. It is used largely for posts, sometimes for lumber, and fuel. Because of its strength, the Indians prized the wood for bows and war clubs.