**Trees Are Emitting a ‘Vomit’-Like Stench Across California**
*SF Gate | October 29, 2025 | Amanda Bartlett, Assistant Local Editor*
The smell wafted through the air in the October sunshine. At least one Harvard scientist has likened it to “rancid butter and vomit,” while Jennifer Iida, a spokesperson for Sacramento’s Department of General Services, called it downright “pungent and unpleasant.”
It was the sweet aroma of two 75-year-old ginkgo trees in California State Capitol Park—and it’s gotten so bad that officials have taken matters into their own hands. They surrounded the trees with metal barriers affixed with zip-tied and laminated signs to warn the public to stay away.
As the Sacramento Bee first reported, the issue isn’t just the odor. It’s also the slip hazard created by the fruit falling to the ground, which can stick to the shoes of unsuspecting passersby.
Some people are still willing to brave the stench of the fruit to forage the seeds inside. These seeds can be used for cooking, medicinal purposes, or even to grow a bonsai tree. However, this poses another problem as the toxin-filled flesh is left behind.
“NO PICKING GINKO FRUIT,” the signs read.
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### Reader Comments
**Red Badger:**
Governor, the trees are revolting!
*“I know.”*
**rfp1234 (E Porcibus Unum):**
Gavin moved his family out of the governor’s mansion and into a gated $10 million mansion a few years ago. There’s more than just plant stench he’s shielding himself from while the rest of California suffers. How symbolic.
**CondoleezzaProtege:**
Why would anybody want these stinking trees?
**Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels.):**
Well, they can’t leave California.
**gundog (The ends justify the mean tweets.):**
**Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels.):**
Indeed.
**No name given (Anonymous is who you’ll know me as):**
People around here just grow the male trees.
**gundog (The ends justify the mean tweets.):**
Ginkgo trees. They always smell.
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*Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright.*
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