Monday, October 13, 2008

Hedge Apples


Anybody ever see one of these bad boys?? We were at Jim's Foodmart in Houghton (the world's first carpeted grocery store) when we spotted these in a bin near produce.

Of course, we always like to experience a new exotic fruit, but the sign told us differently - "Keeps spiders away". Besides having the worlds first carpeted grocery store, Houghton is also well known for it's man size spiders. Our house in Houghton is no exception. Desperate to try any spider proofing method, we bought 4 of these in the middle of August. We were in the house this weekend. I was doing work in the basement and don't cha know, I did not see any spiders. I think the dang things worked! We mentioned it at the local hardware store (not carpeted) and the cashier told us with great certainty that they work - she puts them in her basement every year!

So if you know of any Osage Orange trees, please let me know where they are!!
AND - Happy thanksgiving you Canadian Cats!
(I don't know why this post wants to be a "Link" but it does not link to anything)

5 comments:

Shawn said...

I think we should plant some trees in Houghton. We could supplement our income by selling hedge apples.

nan said...

There is one on Faussette Road just west of Argentine Road. And another one on Livingston Road in Highland. And boy o boy do they leave a mess on the road.

JimR said...

Oh cool! Are they still there?? Maybe next year will have to harvest some. I thought I remembered seeing them grow here in michigan - but didn't know where!

Sally said...

Yes, my kids used to bring them in to school. They were found on one of those back roads north of Rochester, somewhere??? Bill's friend, Craig, from Country Oaks, said the wood is used to make perfect bows for hunting season. Who'd a thunk the fruit could be useful! Can it scare away iguanas? Well then, send me a bushel.

JimR said...

I don't know if they'll scare the iguana's but they'd be just about right for "chuckin'" at them.