Was the leaf pulled off or did it drop?

The differences in different varieties would explain much.

There exists great interest in the selection of fruitless and/or thornless varieties of this hardy, tolerant native plant.

lateral buds are pressed into bark, imbricate

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plan...

Imbricate ...

A term applied to buds with more than 2 scales which overlap one another. Contrast to valvate.

https://www.uwgb.edu/biodivers...

https://www.uwgb.edu/biodivers...

At this time of year the buds won't have plumped up, they don't look to be imbricate but they can't be seen well.

Thornless Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera 'inermis')

Osage Oranges along Urban Street, in late October (during leaf drop).

http://shade-trees.tripod.com/...

I just heard from Morris Arboretum. They could not ID it from the pictures. This should make everyone feel better to know the experienced plantsman couldn't help ID the plant with a picture. I wish I could meet you all for a drink after all your efforts. I will send a sample into them but who know how long it will take for an ID. Thank you all♥

I'm constantly reminded of the leaf texture and coloring of poison ivy every time I look at the photo but I know that the leaf shape and branching are all wrong.

I think that the birds leave gifts of seeds to create new plants even at an arboretum. Maybe we can wait until the Spring and Summer and try again when there are buds, new leaves and maybe some blooms.

Could it be perrsimon http://www.oplin.org/tree/fact...