Hedge

[Smart Red]

Yup. Hedge apples aka Osage Orange aka prairie hedge aka hedge apple aka horse apple aka bowwood aka yellow-wood or specifically Maclura pomifera. These trees -- a reminant from the age of dinosaurs -- was much used by Native Americans and early pioneers. I believe Spouse's "lemonwood" bow is actually made from Osage Orange.

 

[so lucky]

The unofficial largest Osage orange in the country is at Fort Harrod in Kentucky. It has a split trunk, so can't be the official winner. It is "Yuge" with its branches bowed to the ground all around. Makes a great tree for kids to climb around on.
At Harrodsburg, KY, if you are ever out that way. Fort was built in 1774, and is quite a sight.

 

[thistlebloom]

@so lucky , I visited a fort in MO, around Lees Summit area about 20 something years ago with my sis. I don't remember the name.
That's where they (sis and bil) showed me the Osage oranges around the fort. Some of them were very old also, and what I remember is the kids all climbing in them having fun. Somewhere I have a picture of the 5 of them hanging from a limb by their knees.
I was impressed with the giant fruit they make also.