One of the oddest tree fruits prevalent in much of Kansas is the Osage Orange, commonly known by the populace as Hedge Apples. Now, to me, both the words orange and apple imply something that can be eaten. However, there is no eating for the Osage Orange. Big, bright green and for the most part useless, these fruits fall from their trees in autumn. They are fascinating to look at. After doing a little research the only use for the fruit that I could find is that the pioneers used to cut them open and set them around their homes to repel flies.
Osage Orange trees, on the other hand, provide a good windbreak across the prairie and also an excellent habitate for wildlife. The trees are rather gnarly looking and are found all over Kansas. There are several along the Gypsum Creek Nature Trail and the brochure that accompanies the self-guided tour provides some information on the tree.