Do Bois D Arc Trees Have Thorns?

Yes, Bois d'Arc trees (Maclura pomifera) have large, sharp thorns. These thorns can reach up to an inch long and grow along the branches, making the tree a natural barrier but also a hazard for anyone working near it. The thorns appear on young branches and mature wood, and they are one of the most reliable ways to identify this tree alongside its famous green fruit, the hedge apple.

What Makes Bois D'Arc Thorns So Distinctive?

Bois d'Arc thorns are not small or easy to ignore. They typically measure between half an inch and one inch in length, though some can grow slightly longer. The thorns are thick, woody, and extremely sharp. They grow singly at the nodes where leaves attach to the stem, and they curve slightly outward or upward.

Unlike the thorns on a rose bush or a blackberry vine, Bois d'Arc thorns are rigid and do not easily break off. They remain on the tree for years, even after the branch has died. This toughness made the tree popular for living fences in the 19th century, before barbed wire became common.

The thorns appear on both male and female trees, though female trees also produce the large, bumpy hedge apples. The thorns are most abundant on younger, fast-growing branches and on trees that receive plenty of sunlight. If a tree is growing in deep shade, the thorns may be smaller or fewer.

Why Do These Trees Have Such Large Thorns?

The thorns serve a clear defensive purpose. Bois d'Arc trees evolved in the southern United States, where large grazing animals like bison once roamed. The sharp thorns discouraged animals from eating the foliage or damaging the bark.

Native Americans and early settlers recognized this natural defense and planted Bois d'Arc trees around gardens, fields, and homesteads. A row of closely spaced trees created a living fence that would stop livestock and wild animals. The thorns made it nearly impossible for cattle or horses to push through.

The thorns also protect the tree from climbing animals that might eat the fruit or damage the branches. Squirrels and birds can still reach the hedge apples, but larger animals are kept at a distance.

Are There Thornless Bois D'Arc Trees?

Thornless varieties of Bois d'Arc do exist, but they are not common in the wild. Most wild trees are thorny. If you are planting a Bois d'Arc tree in your yard, you may be able to find a thornless cultivar at a specialty nursery.

The most well-known thornless variety is Maclura pomifera 'Inermis'. Inermis means "unarmed" or "thornless" in Latin. This cultivar was selected for its lack of thorns, making it safer for landscaping and home use.

However, even thornless varieties may occasionally produce a few small thorns, especially on young or vigorous shoots. If you want a tree that is completely thorn-free, you should buy from a reputable grower and inspect the tree before planting.

If you are collecting seeds or cuttings from a wild tree, assume the tree is thorny. There is no easy way to tell if a wild tree is thornless until you examine the branches.

How Can You Identify a Bois D'Arc Tree?

If you are trying to determine whether a tree is Bois d'Arc, look for these five features. Use a field guide if you need more help, but these clues are usually enough.

Thorns: Look for sharp, woody thorns up to one inch long at the leaf nodes.
Bark: The bark is brown to orange-brown, deeply furrowed, and peels in strips.
Leaves: The leaves are shiny, dark green, and egg-shaped with smooth edges.
Fruit: Female trees produce large, green, wrinkled fruit called hedge apples that can be five inches in diameter.
Wood: If you break a small branch, you will see bright orange sapwood. The wood is very hard and heavy.

If you find a tree with all of these features, it is almost certainly a Bois d'Arc. The thorns are often the first clue because they are so noticeable and painful.

Common Mistakes When Dealing with Bois D'Arc Thorns

Many people underestimate how sharp Bois d'Arc thorns are. The most common mistake is working near the tree without proper protection. The thorns can easily puncture leather gloves, work boots, and even some rubber soles.

Another mistake is assuming the thorns are only on the lower branches. In large trees, thorns are present all the way up into the canopy. If a branch falls during a storm, the thorns can still cause injury long after the branch hits the ground.

Some people also mistake Bois d'Arc thorns for other thorny trees like honey locust or black locust. Honey locust has clusters of long, branched thorns, while Bois d'Arc has single thorns. Black locust thorns are smaller and grow in pairs at the leaf nodes.

Finally, do not confuse Bois d'Arc with the thornless Osage orange varieties that are sometimes sold. If you are buying a tree, check the tag carefully or ask the nursery staff.

Best Tools and Safety Gear for Handling Thorny Branches

If you need to prune, move, or remove Bois d'Arc branches, use the right gear. Trying to work with bare hands or flimsy gloves will likely result in punctures and blood.

Here is a list of essential safety gear:

Heavy-duty leather gloves rated for puncture resistance, not just general gardening gloves
Long-sleeved shirt made of thick fabric, preferably canvas or denim
Eye protection such as safety glasses or goggles because branches can spring back
Sturdy work boots with thick soles to prevent stepping on fallen thorns
Long-handled loppers or a pruning saw to keep your body away from the thorns

For larger branches or whole tree removal, consider using a chainsaw with proper chaps and a helmet. The thorns make it dangerous to climb, so professional arborists are often needed for big trees.

If you are looking for tools, a good pair of Felco pruning shears or a Fiskars bypass lopper will handle smaller branches. For larger limbs, a Silky pruning saw is a popular choice.

How to Safely Prune or Remove a Bois D'Arc Tree

Pruning a Bois d'Arc tree requires patience and care. The thorns make every cut a potential hazard. Follow these steps to stay safe.

Put on all safety gear before approaching the tree. Do not skip any item on the list above.
Clear the area of children, pets, and anyone not helping. Fallen branches can hide thorns.
Use long-handled tools to reach branches whenever possible. Keep your body at least an arm's length away.
Plan your cuts carefully. Remove dead or broken branches first, then thin out crowded growth.
Remove branches in sections if they are large. Cut the branch from the outside, moving toward the trunk.
Dispose of branches immediately in a brush pile or yard waste bin. Do not leave them on the ground where someone might step on them.

If the tree is too large or dangerous for you to handle, hire a professional. The cost of an arborist is much less than an emergency room visit.

The Relationship Between Thorns and Fruit

The thorns and the hedge apples are connected in a way that surprises many people. The thorns protect the tree from animals that might damage the branches, but the fruit is designed to be eaten and spread.

Hedge apples are not poisonous, but they taste bitter and are not eaten by most animals. Squirrels, deer, and horses may nibble on them, but they rarely eat the whole fruit. The thorns help ensure that animals do not linger near the tree long enough to damage it.

The fruit itself is a dense, fibrous ball that can weigh up to two pounds. It falls from the tree in autumn and rots on the ground. The seeds inside are tough and may sprout if conditions are right.

Female trees produce the most thorns, likely because the tree invests more energy in protecting its fruit. Male trees also have thorns, but they produce pollen instead of hedge apples.

Common Questions About Bois D'Arc Trees and Their Thorns

Do the thorns hurt if you get stuck?

Yes, they are painful. The thorns can break off under the skin and cause infection if not removed properly. If you get stuck, clean the wound with soap and water and remove any thorn fragments with tweezers.

Are Bois D'Arc thorns poisonous?

The thorns are not poisonous, but any puncture wound can lead to infection if bacteria enter the skin. Always clean any injury thoroughly and watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or warmth.

Do the thorns have any use?

Historically, people used Bois d'Arc thorns as tools and needles. The thorns are hard and sharp, making them useful for poking holes in leather or fabric. Some crafters still use them for traditional projects.

Can you touch a Bois D'Arc tree without getting stuck?

It is possible if you move carefully and avoid the branches. The thorns are concentrated on the new growth and smaller branches. Mature trunks and large limbs are mostly thornless, though you may find a few thorns near the base.

Do the thorns grow back after you cut them?

Thorns are part of the branch, so they do not grow back on their own. If you cut a branch, that thorn is gone. However, new branches will grow new thorns. You cannot make a thorny tree thornless by removing all the thorns once.

Practical Tips for Landscaping with or Near Bois D'Arc Trees

If you are planning to plant a Bois d'Arc tree or you already have one on your property, consider these practical points.

Do not plant the tree near walkways, driveways, or where children play. The thorns and the fruit create hazards. Hedge apples can rot and become slippery, and fallen branches are dangerous to bare feet.

Plant the tree as a windbreak or privacy screen in an out-of-the-way area. The thorns make it an excellent barrier. Just keep it at least 20 feet from any structure, as the roots are aggressive and can damage foundations.

If you already have a Bois d'Arc tree, inspect it once a year for dead branches that could fall. Remove those branches in late winter when the tree is dormant and the thorns are easier to see without leaves.

Consider whether you want a male or female tree. Female trees produce hedge apples, which drop to the ground and create a mess. Male trees do not produce fruit, so they are cleaner for landscaping.

Understanding Bois D'Arc Thorns Helps You Stay Safe

Bois d'Arc trees are impressive, useful, and tough, but their thorns demand respect. Whether you are identifying a tree, pruning a branch, or simply walking past one, knowing what you are dealing with keeps you and your family safe. The thorns are a defining feature of this species, and they have been used for centuries as a natural fence and barrier. By understanding their size, purpose, and dangers, you can appreciate the tree's architecture without getting hurt. If you work with Bois d'Arc wood or simply admire it from a distance, always remember the thorns and plan accordingly.