Difficult ID. Requesting Help.

CentralTree

Ahoy,

This specimen is growing in a newly naturalized area. It is a small, multi-stemmed tree. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera on site but I did take a sample. The buds are alternate, both 1st and 2nd year growth have light coloured, raised lenticels. The pith is large and white, seemingly sollid but crumbles when you poke at it.

I honestly didn't try terribly hard to see what it was because I didn't have a starting point. It completely stumped me.

Thanks if anyone can help.

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CentralTree

I think it is Cladrastis kentukea. Any thoughts?

Chimera

That would be my guess too. There aren't many plants with petioles that surround the bud like that (I've heard it called imbricate, but I don't know if that's right). The leaf scar goes all the way around the bud, rather than above or below. I'm not completely sure though, since there might be another similar tree with that feature.

One problem is that I don't think Yellowwood naturalizes itself that far North.

Chimera

Another imbricate bud tree is Japanese Pagoda Tree, but its twigs are yellow. I also looked at Phellodendron, but I don't think that's it.

I still think it's yellowwood.
Check out this link: Native Trees of Indiana River Walk
Looks pretty similar.

I guess I'm just confused how it got there if it wasn't planted.

CentralTree

Great, yeah I am almost 100% sure it's American Yellowwood. It was planted by a property that wanted to "naturalize" an area for employees to walk. Unfortunately we're not working any kind of Stewardship, just maintenance. I say that because the area has many invasive species growing in it (I don't think they were planted) that should be removed.

Imbricate usually refers to the bud itself. ie. The majority of oak buds are imbricate (at least up here). It refers to the overlapping scales.

Our only doubt with the yellowwood is that yellowwood is yellow beneath the twig bark.

Thanks Chimera!

Chimera

Hah, I've only called it an imbricate bud because that's how a professor I took a class with referred to it. But upon searching online for imbricate bud, that doesn't seem to be the right way to describe it. I'll have to ask her about that one

Brent Ferris

According to Michael Dirr - Manual of woody Landscape Plants, the Yellowwood will tolerate zones 4-7 (Cdn hardiness zones). I have only seen it in one other yard in Toronto.

Dirr indicates the heartwood is yellow, is a medium sized tree and tends to spread. -- has attractive flowers May-June.

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