Storehousebush

Maclura tricuspidata is a deciduous tree with no winter buds or terminal shoots, and lateral branches that are small and compressed. The leaves are alternate, simple, with toothed or entire margins, and three prominent veins. The flowers are unisexual, appearing with the leaves. Male flowers cluster at the base of new branches, while female or bisexual flowers appear in the upper leaf axils. The fruit is a drupe with a net-like pattern on the seed and minimal endosperm. It is distinguishable from related species such as Celtis jessoensis and Celtis sinensis by leaf serration patterns and hair characteristics on young branches and buds.