They look like the seeds of morning glory.

I think you may be right! The pods -- which I should have included in the picture -- look spot on for morning glories. Thank you so much!

Mandie, I think you are right, and if so, I'm overjoyed. Going to plant them ASAP -- they are perfect for my yard! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to this old post :-).

jankay, I wrote detailed instructions on how I planted them. they're so fun to watch!

Mandie, I am planning the transition of my lawn from weedy mess, to big beds of drought tolerant flowers like sedums and grasses. Thinking would be great for the area. I'll get the seeds started ASAP.

Showing the pod would be massively helpful. Can you do so? Otherwise you might be labouring under a misapprehension.

Floral, unfortunately I pitched the pods three months ago when I thought I had made an ID. Looking at morning glory seed pods online, they do look like what I had. It also makes sense because I just grew Heavenly Blue last year. On the other hand, the texture and shape of the seeds seems much closer to the red yucca samples I'm seeing online. I do get new seeds from regional exchanges and friends, so there is a remote possibility that they are yucca. 'm planting them today, and we will see. Even if they are the HBMG, it won't be too bad of a disappointment as they put on quite the show last summer.

Okay, the results are in! Seedlings are up and they are False Yucca! I am so excited! Thank you for everyone's input!