florida tree with seed pods

Unique Florida Trees With Seed Pods: Which Ones Should You Plant in Your Yard?

Looking to add some unique trees to your yard? Check out the Florida trees with seed pods. These trees are beautiful, and provide lots of benefits for your home.

In this guide, we will discuss the different types of Florida trees with seed pods and which ones you should plant in your yard.

Top 10 Florida Trees With Seed Pods

There are a variety of Florida trees with seed pods, but not all of them are one and the same. Here are the top ten Florida trees with seed pods that you should consider planting in your yard:

1. Mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin)

The Mimosa tree is a fast-growing deciduous tree that can reach up to 40 feet tall. It has a short trunk with a wide canopy of branches that are covered in small, pink flowers.

The flowers are followed by seed pods that are about six inches long, and contain several seeds. The Mimosa tree is native to Asia, but has been introduced to Florida and other parts of the United States.

Mimosa trees are not very drought tolerant and prefer moist, well-drained soils. They can be planted in full sun or partial shade. Mimosa trees are also relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.

2. Moringa oleifera (Moringa tree)

This beautiful tree is also known as the Drumstick Tree or Horseradish Tree. It’s an evergreen that can grow up to 20 feet tall, and its leaves are a deep, glossy green. The flowers are white and fragrant, and they bloom in clusters.

The fruit of the Moringa tree is a long, slender, dark brown or black seed pod. The seeds are edible, and have a nutty flavor. They can be used in soups, stir-fries, and curries.

The Moringa tree is native to the Indian subcontinent, but it has been introduced to many other tropical countries. Moringa does well in Southwest Florida, and it is drought-tolerant. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

3. Mahogany tree (Swietenia mahagoni)

The mahogany tree is a large evergreen that can grow up to 50 feet tall. It has a wide, spreading canopy, and produces small, yellowish-brown flowers.

The tree’s most distinguishing feature is its dark red or brown seed pods, which are about two inches long. Mahogany trees are native to Florida and prefer moist, well-drained soils. This tree makes an excellent addition to any landscape.

4. River tamarind (Leucaena leucocephala)

This fast-growing tree is native to Mexico and Central America, but has been widely introduced throughout the tropics. It’s a popular shade and Ornamental tree in Florida, where it can reach up to 30 feet tall.

The river tamarind has beautiful, bright green leaves and produces small, yellow flowers. The tree is also known for its long, brown seed pods that can be up to a foot in length.

The seed pods are often used in floral arrangements and dried flower arrangements. This flowering tree is a great addition to any landscape.

5. Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia)

The Royal Poinciana, or flamboyant tree, is a popular choice for many Florida yards. It’s well-known for its beautiful red flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. But did you know that it also produces seed pods?

These pods are large and woody, and they contain seeds that are poisonous if ingested. However, they’re not harmful to touch, so don’t worry about them if you have young children or pets.

If you’re looking for a unique tree to add to your yard, the Royal Poinciana is a great option. The bright yellow flowers are sure to add a pop of color, and the seed pods make an interesting conversation piece.

6. Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum)

This majestic tree is commonly found in dry tropical forests of Central and South America, as well as Florida. It can grow to be over 100 feet tall, and its trunk can reach up to 12 feet in diameter.

The Guanacaste is known for its beautiful, large, round seed pods that can be up to a foot long. The seeds inside the pod are also edible, and have a nutty flavor.

7. Catalpa tree (Catalpa bignonioides)

The Catalpa tree is a tall, broad-leafed tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. It has glossy green leaves, and large, showy white flowers that bloom in the summer, and its seed pods are long and thin, about 12 inches long.

The Catalpa tree is native to the southeastern United States, and is commonly found in Florida. It is a popular tree to plant in yards because it is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. These native plants do best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. 

8. Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)

The eastern redbud is a small tree that typically grows between 15 and 20 feet tall. It has a short trunk, and branches that grow outward from the trunk at right angles. The bark is a dark reddish-brown color, and the leaves are heart-shaped and have a glossy texture.

The colorful flowers of the eastern redbud are pink or purple, and they bloom in early spring. The fruit of the eastern redbud is a small, dark-colored seed pod that ripens in late summer or early fall.

The eastern redbud is native to the eastern United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas. It grows best in moist, well-drained soils, and is tolerant of drought. These flowering trees make a beautiful addition to any yard.

9. Achiote (Bixa orellana)

This little tree is covered in beautiful, bright red flowers. The achiote is native to the Yucatan Peninsula, and can be found throughout Mexico, Central America,  South America, and Florida.

It’s also known as the lipstick tree or annatto. The seeds of the achiote are used to make a red dye, which is used in cosmetics, fabrics, and food.

The achiote tree can grow to be about 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. If you live in an area with high humidity, you’ll need to water this tree more often.

10. Erythrina (Coral Beans)

The Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea) is a showy, red-flowered tree that blooms from May to June. The coral bean tree is found in the southern parts of South Florida, and along the Gulf Coast.

It can grow up to 30 feet tall, and has dark green leaves with pointed tips. The flowers are followed by long, thin seed pods that contain poisonous seeds. The coral bean tree is a beautiful addition to any Florida landscape, but should be planted with caution.

These are just a few of the many unique trees that can be found in Florida. If you’re looking to add something different to your yard, consider one of these trees.

Tips on How to Choose the Perfect Tree for Your Yard

When choosing a tree for your yard, there are a few things you should take into consideration. Here are a few tips:

  • Consider the size of the tree - The first thing you should consider is the size of the tree. How big do you want it to be? How big is your yard? You'll also want to consider the mature height of the tree, as some trees can grow quite tall.
  • Think about the shape of the tree - You need to think about the shape of the tree and how it will fit into your yard. Do you want a tall, skinny tree? A short, wide tree? Something in between?
  • Choose a tree that is suitable for your climate - You need to make sure you choose a tree that is suitable for your climate.
  • Pick a tree that has low-maintenance requirements - You don't want to spend all your time taking care of your tree, so be sure to choose one that is low-maintenance.
  • Take into consideration the type of soil you have - You'll need to make sure you choose a tree that is suitable for the type of soil you have. If you're not sure, ask your local nursery or gardening center for help.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing a tree for your yard. With so many different trees to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, cold-hardy simply means that the tree can tolerate some cold. It’s important to remember that even cold-hardy trees can be damaged by extremely cold weather.

There are a few trees with seed pods that are common in North Florida and Central Florida, such as the eastern redbud and the achiote tree. However, there are many more unique trees with seed pods that can be found throughout the state.

So, there you have it: a few of the most popular unique Florida trees with seed pods. Be sure to do your research before planting any of these trees in your yard, as some can be quite invasive. But overall, they are all beautiful options that will add some extra interest to your landscape.