Osage Orange Tree

The female Osage Orange Tree makes these big money balls that my kids were playing with at Lake Texoma. The tree is native to Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Before barb wire, they were planted to make hedge fences as they have strong wood and thorns. The wood is also used for Indian bows and arrows and makes excellent fence posts that will not rot or be destroyed by bugs. The fruit is not really good for anything but the squirrels love the seeds. With lots of work the seeds inside can be removed and eaten by people.