Arkansas Tree Database

Osage Orange, Bois D'arc, Bodark, Hedge Apple

Osage Orange, Bois D'arc, Bodark, Hedge Apple

Scientific name:

Maclura Pomifera

Size:

20'-40' tall by as wide, up to 60' tall

Leaves:

alternate, simple, 3"-5" long, with smooth untoothed margins and a sharp or dull point

Flowers:

inconspicuous

Fruit:

yellow-green 5" diameter ball, resembling a large rough orange

Fall Interest:

bright yellow; deciduous

Culture:

sun; moist, well-drained soil, adaptable

Disease/Insect:

Use:

shade tree, street tree, historically used for hedges

Cultivars:

Notes:

bark thick, orangish brown with irregular interlacing ridges, and stripping off on old trees; twigs armed with single straight 1" thorn at each node; milky sap; common name "bois d'arc" because Native Americans used the wood for bows; native to Arkansas

Resources:

https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/osage-orange.aspx

Click thumbnail to enlarge images

Osage-orange bark on trunk Osage-orange bark on trunk Osage-orange bark on mature tree Osage-orange branch, zigzag and with a thorn at each node, and leaves 3"-5" long Osage-orange flowers, male Osage-orange flowers, female Osage-orange leaf, upper side Osage-orange leaves, undersides Osage-orange leaves Osage-orange fruit, fall Osage-orange fruit, fall Osage-orange branch, zigzag and with a thorn at each node