The Osage orange or "Bois d'arc" is native to south central U.S., Asia, and Africa. Named for American geologist, William Maclura, and its "apple" fruit. Whiteshield, a male, thornless and fruitless variety with glossy foliage was found in western Oklahoma on White Shield Creek and was named after a Cheyenne chief. The wood of this species is considered rot resistant and has been used for archery bows, furniture, decks, and fence posts. Osage orange trees are either male or female. Only the female trees produce fruit. Bark: Ashy brown or dark orange-brown with irregular longitudinal fissures and scaly ridges. The wood has a characteristic orange color. Foliage: Alternate, simple, 2 - 5 inch long and half as wide. Shiny medium to dark green in summer. Fall colors range from yellow-green to bright yellow. Flowers: Dioecious. Female borne in June on globe-like heads and short peduncles. Male flowers are borne in sub-globular or elongated racemes. Fruit: This particular cultivar is thornless and fruitless.
| Tree ID Number: | 783 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Maclura pomifera 'White Shield' |
| Mature Height: | 20-40 ft |
| Canopy Spread (Diameter): | 20-40 ft |
| Branching Shape: | Rounded, irregular crown |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Wood Strength: | |
| Cold Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
| Soil Moisture Requirements: | Moist, Dry |
| Light Requirements: | Sun |
| Common Pests: | None serious. A few leaf spots have been reported. |
| Comments: | A very tough and durable tree that can tolerate poor sites. |
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