Height

Trees grow up to 50 feet (15.24 m) with a short trunk.

Bark

The trunk is brown with orange within the furrows. The roots are a brilliant orange.

Twigs

Twigs zigzag and usually bear stiff thorns about ½ inch (1.3 cm) long.

Leaves

The long, glossy, long-pointed leaves are 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) long.

Flowers

Flowers are minute. The staminate flowers are in a raceme while the pistillate ones are in spherical heads. Multiple fruits are 4-5 inches (10.2-12.7 cm) in diameter.

Fruit/Seeds

The fruit is a large, dense, green, wrinkled ball as large as 6 inches (15.2 cm) in diameter. Seeds are smaller then those of sunflower and may number over 200. Female trees bear the fruit.

Images

Photo: Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org
More images of Maclura pomifera

Osage Orange is a round-topped tree native to the eastern Texas area but naturalized widely from plantings in previous centuries. Pleistocene mammals such as the mastodon and horse may have helped with seed distribution. Often found along fence rows acting as livestock barriers. It is a member of the Moraceae, or Mulberry Family. Easily propagated from seed.

Habitat

Osage Orange typically occurs in open, sunny areas and can live in a variety of soils. It is often found in old pastures.

Origin and Distribution

It is native to eastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, southwestern Arkansas, and the extreme northwest corner of Louisiana.

Other states where invasive: WA, NV, AZ, KS, MO, LA, GA, IL, NC, OH, WV, MD.

Mechanical Controls

Cutting: Cutting during the summer months with repeat cutting if necessary is best. Cutting is most feasible with smaller plants. Cut the trunk about knee height with a chainsaw, axe, or handsaw. Burning works well in conjunction with cutting.

Girdling: Girdling will kill the trees although the bark is thick on older trees. Check the girdles every few weeks to make sure bark has not grown back.

Herbicidal Controls

h4. Cut Stump Method

Triclopyr (Garlon 4 or 3A) is effective as a bark treatment or cut-surface treatment. Apply herbicide no later than 2-3 hours. Immediate application is best.

Basal Bark Method

Basal bark treatment with 2.0 or 2.5 oz of Garlon 4 is effective when mixed with 1 gallon of diesel fuel. Spray at a height of 12-15 inches (30.5-38.1 cm.) Use only when other plants will not be harmed.