Long, green, bean-like structures dangling from tree branches are often reproductive structures, not culinary vegetables. Understanding these pods reveals fascinating tree biology and helps identify the trees that produce them. This article explores the nature of these pods, common trees that bear them, their edibility, and practical considerations for living with such trees.
Understanding Tree Pods
These structures are botanically known as seed pods or legumes, serving as the protective casing for the tree’s seeds. Many trees producing them belong to the Fabaceae family (legume or pea family), which is why their fruit often resembles common edible beans. Their primary biological purpose is to facilitate reproduction and seed dispersal. As they mature, pods typically change color from green to brown, black, or reddish-brown, varying in size, shape, and texture by species.
Common Trees That Produce Pods
Several common tree species produce distinctive, bean-like pods.
The Catalpa tree (often called the Indian Bean Tree or Cigar Tree) produces long, slender pods that can reach impressive lengths of 10 to 24 inches. These pods are green during the summer and mature into dark brown, cigar-like structures that may persist on the tree through winter. Catalpa trees are identified by their large, heart-shaped leaves (8 to 12 inches long) and showy white, bell-shaped flowers with yellow or purple markings that bloom in late spring.
The Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) bears flat, often twisted or curved, reddish-brown to dark black pods measuring 7 to 35 cm (3 to 14 inches) long. These pods contain a sweet, sticky pulp surrounding the seeds. Honeylocust trees typically have compound leaves and are characterized by stout, three-forked spines on their stems and trunks, though thornless varieties exist.
The Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is identifiable by its large, sturdy, reddish-brown to purplish-brown seed pods that are 4 to 10 inches long and 1.5 to 3 inches wide. These distinctive pods, which can persist on the tree through fall and winter, contain hard, dark brown seeds resembling large lima beans. The tree itself has very large, bi-pinnately compound leaves, often over a foot long, and bark that breaks into stiff plates.
The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) produces smaller, flat, brown seed pods that are 2 to 4 inches long and resemble snow pea pods. These pods develop after the tree’s striking pink to purple, pea-like flowers bloom in early spring directly on its branches before the leaves emerge. The Eastern Redbud is recognizable by its distinctive heart-shaped leaves, which are bright green in spring and summer and turn yellow in the fall.
Are Tree Pods Edible or Harmful?
Despite their resemblance to edible beans, most tree pods and seeds are not suitable for human consumption and can be harmful. Many contain compounds that can cause digestive upset or be toxic to humans and pets. For instance, raw Kentucky Coffeetree seeds and leaves contain the toxic alkaloid cystisine. Honey locust pods contain a sweet pulp, but the outer shell has high tannin content, and green pods require cooking. Always avoid consuming unknown tree pods or seeds for safety.
Living with Pod-Producing Trees
Trees that produce numerous pods, while providing aesthetic appeal or shade, can create maintenance challenges. Falling pods result in significant litter, requiring regular cleanup in lawns or paved areas. Seeds within these pods can sprout unwanted seedlings, potentially leading to dense growth if not managed. Despite this, many of these trees are valued for their ornamental features, such as showy flowers or unique growth habits, and their ability to provide shade.