Could it be this....? Here is a link that might be useful: Jatropha cinerea

Hi, I would agree with catalpa. There is a whole industry around catalpa worms that eat this tree's leaves. The worms are really moth larvae but are considered a very good fishing bait. You are very fortunate to get your bait for free now :)

It would not surprise me. Not that I could identify poison anything, really. There's so much foliage everywhere. I'm so lost! I know it'll be even worse in the spring when I have to start identifying spring plants! But it's a fun new adventure. And I'm loving it. The yard is 70% of the reason we bought this house. Give or take :) Does Black Gum seem likely, then? I've Googled, and they are gorgeous in the fall! I was thinking about getting rid of it, but now I'm thinking maybe not. If it turns out to be colorful or fruit-bearing or flowering, I'll probably keep it. Even though I suspect it got its start as an accidental tree that no one pulled up. Just kind of a weird place for it (says the lady who doesn't know what she's talking about!).

Yes -- maybe southern catalpa in Texas.