Osage Orange

Osage Orange. Maclura pomifera. , Introduced to Ohio during the 1800s, Osage orange is commonly found in rural areas in fields and fence rows, This deciduous tree's common name is derived from the Osage Native American tribe and its bright green, warty fruits, also known as hedge apples. Its strong, flexible wood is used to make archery bows and fence posts. Most parts of the tree exude a sticky white sap containing latex when wounded or cut. Osage orange thrives in hot, dry summer conditions and poor soils, though it is adaptable to a wide range of soils and moisture levels., Leaf: Leaves are 3-4 inches long and bright green to dark green, alternate, shiny, and ovate to broadly elliptical, with smooth margins and a drawn-out tip. Fall color ranges from green-ye ow to bright yellow. Leaves change color and drop from the tree later than most other trees, usually in November and December., Twigs And Buds: Twigs have thorns measuring ½ inch, with branches interlacing in the crown., Fruit Or Seed: Female trees produce large, rough-sur-faced, lime-colored spheres containing many interior seeds relished by squirrels. The enormous fruits weigh down the branches by late summer and fall beneath the tree when ripened, serving as a good identification characteristic., Bark: Mature bark has flattened and interlacing brown-gray ridges with deep orange furrows. This tree develops a flared basal trunk that merges with the large surface roots. When found at stream banks, the exposed roots of Osage orange are bright orange., Shape: Arching and spreading., Mature Height: 50-60 feet.