These are on a tree, that looks like a maple, in our yard. They have a strong smell to them when you get close. Natalie and I are calling them "paw-paws", just because we know the "Pickin' up paw paws" song and it's fun! I was just curious if any of you know what they are really called?

By Claire on Friday, October 6, 2006 - 01:54 pm:

It's a seedball from a Sweet Gum Tree.

By Pamt on Friday, October 6, 2006 - 02:08 pm:

Ugh!! I hate sweet gum trees. I can't tell you how often I twisted my ankle on the the gumballs that came off of ours in Missouri. It was right by our backdoor. I think "paw-paws" are much more fun!

By Reds9298 on Friday, October 6, 2006 - 02:42 pm:

Really??!!! The leaves totally look maple. I'll look that up. Thanks Claire!! So those are called gumballs?

Luckily, it's not too close to the house. I just trimmed some of the lower branches though last week because those things kept knocking me in the head when I would mow!!

By Reds9298 on Friday, October 6, 2006 - 02:46 pm:

I found some more info. Thanks ladies! Interesting. Mine is a young tree, not planted more than 8 years ago. It was very new when we bought the house 7 years ago and boy has it grown since then, although it's still small.

Thank you girls!

By Tarable on Friday, October 6, 2006 - 04:47 pm:

If it is close to your driveway or where people park it can be make a mess on your car. there are a few of those in the parking lot of my building and the sap gets on your car and it is hard to wash off if you don't do it quickly enough.

By Reds9298 on Friday, October 6, 2006 - 05:38 pm:

Thanks for the info Tarable. Our cars are in the garage all the time, but they would be reached by the tree anyway.

Now I know what I'm smelling when I mow. They are very strong!