Osage Orange Pomander or Room Freshener

I had never heard of an Osage orange tree until five years ago, when my brother and I were together, and a green object lying in the street caught my attention. I asked him to go around the block so I could see what it was. I got out of the car and noticed several of these strange green nubby looking fruit that had fallen from a tree. They smelled a little like orange peels. I scooped up about four of them and got back into the car. I asked him to remember where the tree was, because I would definitely be back for more. I knew they would be great in a potpourri bowl. I searched online to find out what they were with no success.

One day a family friend stopped by and she told me they came from a Bodock tree. She knew because they grow abundantly in Oklahoma where she was from. After knowing the name of the tree; I did a search online and discovered farmers used them to create a natural fence before barb wire was available.  The Osage Indians used the bent limbs to make bows. The fruit is poisonous to eat except for squirrels! They love them! 

The following year I asked my brother to take me to the Bodock tree. We looked and looked and could not find that tree! Every fall for the past five years I have looked for that tree. Still determined to find the tree, this fall I looked again with no success. I finally called a friend of mine who owns a feed and seed store. She asked an employee where a Bodock tree might be found and he gave me an approximate location. I finally found the tree bearing the beautiful lime green dimpled fruit! I made a pomander from the fruit. Follow through and I will show you how I did it. 

Using the skewer poke holes about 1/4" into the fruit. You can make a design or randomly poke holes where you like. 
The more cloves you add the more fragrant it will be.

Push the cloves into the holes as shown.

Tie a bow around the two cinnamon sticks.
Attach the bow to the Osage fruit using the straight pin.

You can make the fragrant balls from lemons, oranges, limes, or hedge apples.
Dried Osage looks pretty also!

I will be making these every year as long as the tree remains. It is funny how such a little thing can bring a lot of joy into someone's world! My persistence served me well!  I love the color and the way it smells (with or without the cinnamon and cloves). I am expecting them to last several months. 

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Thanks for stopping by and have a great New Year!

Sunshiine