When I was a kid growing up in Pgh Pa there was a tree that grew big green balls we called them monkey balls?

Question

I was wondering if anyone knew what the tree was called and what the "monkey balls" are really called. They are hard, I know this because we used to have fights with them, and they have a texture to them as well.

Answer 1

Maclura pomifera  Osage-orange...http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTefda9nZIqn...

Answer 2

Probably buckeye trees. They're indigenous throughout Ohio and into eastern PA. If not buckeyes then it could have been some type of walnut or chestnut tree which grow a lot through Ohio and into eastern PA as well.

A buckeye often has a spiked green outer covering which dries up and splits open as the nut ripens. A walnut will have a green covering as well, it is textured but not spiked. The green outer covering dries up as well as the nut ripens inside. Black walnuts will stain your hands too!