Trees from a distance

[robinia]

Both good guesses (Clethra and Calycanthus), especially considering they are both native. But MUCH better shade tolerance. Flowering time is even earlier that Calycanthus and not nearly as showy. Not at all suckering or colony-forming. Very much a stand alone, well proportioned tree, albeit quite small!

 

[robinia]

Here it is in its natural habitat in full flower- usually march or april.
I know I know, pretty impressive. Move over magnolia!

next clue would be family and will likely give it away...

 

[banjo]

Hamaelis something

 

[tomthetreeman]

Ted, your spelling has really slipped lately.

Cladastis?

Ginko?

Hamaelis?

Jeez!

 

[banjo]

I'm just trying to fit in. Who cares about engish anyway?

 

[robinia]

BIG clue:

Thymelaeaceae

 

[tomthetreeman]

Dirca palustris, leatherwood.

-Tom

 

[robinia]

[ QUOTE ]
Dirca palustris, leatherwood.

-Tom

[/ QUOTE ]

CORRECT
Way to go Tom!

 

[tomthetreeman]

That was a tough one. Let me see what I can come up with by later tonight. If anyone else has something, they can have my turn. I'm content to be a guessor.

-Tom

 

[tomthetreeman]

OK, here's one... It's the only pic I have of this tree, although I have some seeds/dried fruits at work which I can photo if necessary. Sorry about the picture quality:

 

[robinia]

I think I'm seeing compound leaves, maybe even pinnate (?!?)
And the mention of dried fruit - must be interesting enough to keep around...
I'll say:
Koelreuteria paniculata.

 

[tomthetreeman]

Not a K.p.

 

[tomthetreeman]

Yes, compound. Yes, pinnate. And yes, the fruit is interesting in more ways than one.

-Tom

 

[Starlet]

how about aralia spinosa? although they might be bipinnately compound? interesting fruit on it though

 

[tomthetreeman]

Not Aralia.

This tree has a tendency to sucker, but can ultimately be a very large single stem tree. It's crazy how big they can get.

-Tom

 

[tomthetreeman]

Uhhh... Anyone want another clue?

 

[robinia]

Pterocarya?

... and yes, clues are probably required.

 

[tomthetreeman]

Indeed it is a Pterocarya... Was it the 'crazy' clue, or the 'interesting fruit' clue?

Would you care to elaborate on just what kind of wingnut this is? I believe there are four or five.

-Tom

 

[robinia]

All of the above! Actually the suckering really firmed it up for me - I was working in one the other day and the first thing I did was cut out a bunch of sprouts around the trunk.
That one was P. stenoptera and I've only otherwise seen P. fraxinifolia. I'm guessing the latter gets bigger? I'll guess that one!

 

[tomthetreeman]

yup