Osage-orange
It’s becoming increasingly popular to consider trees and other plants as infrastructure within the matrix of the urban environment. That is, they are utilized and valued for their endless benefits and functionality. Apparently, this idea was considered in the late 19th century when this large circle of osage-orange trees was strategically planted, serving as a turnaround for a horse-drawn carriage. A reliable and extremely strong wooded tree, the osage-orange produces the largest, and most dangerous, fruits in the park. Take a walk near the Music Stand where you will find another strategically planted grouping of osage-orange, arguably the oldest trees in the park.                Â