Hi, I just purchased a house and it has two of this mystery tree. I'm having a problem as this tree drops way too many seeds/fruits. I'm not even sure I need to call this a fruit or a seed. 1) The whole tree 2) Leaves and seeds/fruits 3) seeds/fruits close up About a month ago, those yellow coverings were green. Now it's all yellow and it has a vivid red seed in it, mostly one, but sometimes two. Yellow covering is turning dark red/brown and then it's time to fall. Sometimes the seeds fall by themselves or fall with the covers on. They go into my pool/spa and leave the ugliest stain in the bottom. One odd thing that I noticed is that the half of the tree goes out to the the other side of the fence and they do not have as many fruits as the other half. Also, I found out that I actually have another same tree on the other part of the garden. I didn't realize it because it only drops couple seeds altogether. I'll do anything to make this tree same as the other tree. I'm just hoping that these trees are not the ones that bloom in alternating years. :-? Thanks in advance!
Hi, welcome to GardenStew. Could you possibly let us know which part of the world the tree is located in? That could be a great help in someone IDing it for you.
Cornus produce seeds like that, as do Euonymus. There are various Cornus which are native to California.
Thanks for the reply! The seeds do look like cornus but not sure if cornus seeds have those coverings. The red seed is pretty hard and there is a 'real' brown seed inside of the red seed. 4) Stains from the tree ( photo / image / picture from hyunnys's Garden ) This is what those seeds do to the pool when they are wet.
This tree is a carrotwood and is very invasive in certain locations. It has been on the Noxious Weed List in FL for almost 30 years. "It can not be introduced, possessed, moved or released without a permit."
Just a guess ..California Buckeye., pic of true leaves with fruits. https://budburst.org/plants/11601