CdSe quantum rods are prepared at much milder conditions than previously reported, using noble-metal seed particles to initiate growth. The CdSe nanocrystals initially form as multipods that cleave to yield freestanding quantum rods (see figure) with high photoluminescence quantum yields. This study provides a new direction in developing facile syntheses of semiconductor NCs with nonspherical morphology, thereby making available new building blocks for nanotechnology.