Request for Identification Help

PZietz

This leaf specimen was taken from a tree in mid-Michigan. The tree was about 40 feet high and to my eye looked like an oak of some sort but no acorns were present. The largest leaf is about 4 inches long and an inch and a half wide.

Thanks in advance.

PZietz

Sorry, here's the scan of the leaf specimen.

Attached Files

Unknown Tree.pdf (281.9 KB, 32 views)

Eden Keeper

It looks like blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica Marsh., which is potentially difficult to identify due to a combination of nondescript and variable features. The mature bark gets rough like some oaks, but with a blocky pattern of ridges and fissures. The branches are usually horizontal. The leaves can be entire or sparely toothed (more so on vigorously growing saplings) and are notable for red fall color. An obscure key is diagrammed pith. In the spring the flowers are also confusing because some trees have only male flowers while other trees have flowers with both male and female parts although the male parts may be sterile. The fruit is a blue-black drupe. The location indicated is near the northern extent of the natural range and this may help reduce the confusion since some species with similar bark patterns, leaf shapes, and/or fall leaf color don't range as north. Blackgum twigs can be used as a toothbrush.

Brent Ferris

Do the twigs contain an antibacterial compound?

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Eden Keeper

I've heard the twigs have anti-cavity properties comparable to the fluoride in toothpaste, and when I looked for a citation (none found) I was reminded that the brush was dipped in powdered snuff or cocoa and sugar for the (grand)children.

PZietz

I've attached a photo of the bark and ...

Attached Thumbnails

 

PZietz

the entire tree, if that helps or confirms.

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