Tree Identification Help

jgarner

Any idea what tree this might be. I live in Acton, California (93510) in a housing tract and this tree was installed by the builder, so I am unsure of the name / type of tree this is? It is drought tolorant and deciduous.

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jgarner

One other thing I forgot to mention about this tree is that it's normally green through out the summer and turns red/orange in the fall prior to loosing it's leaves. I've included a close up photo of the leaves in this post. (I had to spread the leaves out to scan them, but they typically hang naturally like in the first post.)

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Garry Brockley

what is the bark like on the main trunk?

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jmcg.insight.gardens

Hi there, it would also be helpful if you could tell us if it flowers or if you have seen any seed or nuts. There are two very different trees that appear similar so more details would be needed to verify it. Julie

jgarner

I have been in the house now for over 6 years, and when the builder planted the tree, I'm guessing that it may have been 3 or 4 years old. However, in the time span, I have not seen it flower, or produce seeds or nuts. I've attached a couple more photos. Hope this helps. Thanks.

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jgarner

Another bit of info that may help with the identification: In Acton, I'm at 3350 in elevation, and being in the high desert, the temperature can be 110+ F in the summer and down to 0 degrees F for up to a week or so in the winter. Since it is drought tolerant, I have it on a drip system with a minimal amount of water, but I do give it water from a hose now and then. Even with the conditions I have mentioned, it seems to be doing quite well.

Bernard Keays

jgarner,

Looks a bit like a 'Claret Ash'.

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Bernie

jeffswede

It is a Koelreuteria, chinese flame, they are everywhere here.

jgarner

I appreciate the help in trying to identify this tree. In regards to the Chinese Flame, I notice the Chinese Flame tree on some websites shows that it flowers, but I have yet to see anything but leaves on this particular tree.

Another thing that makes this tree unique for our area, there aren't many trees turning this vibrant red color in the fall. (reminds me of the colors in the Eastern US). Most trees in this area turn yellow (Elms, Liquid Amber), or deep purples (Purple Ash).

Garry Brockley

A pdf on that tree to help you along hope it helps.
http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/KOEBIPA.pdf

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jgarner

Thanks for the pdf file Galbee. After reading this article and viewing different websites with the Chinese Flame, I don’t think the tree I am growing is of this variety. I did some additional research regarding the Claret Ash, which in website pictures displays colors similar to the tree I have. I also found this link: Claret Ash: Trees, Arborwest Tree Farm Perth WA, Tree Nursery Western Australia which shows a slightly different leaf pattern on the Claret Ash (spaced farther apart and extend straight out from the stem) than the one I attached (IMG_1221 where it shows the leaves drooping from the stem to where there almost touching each other). As for the characteristics of the leaves themselves, they do look very similar. The bark is not completely smooth with small ridges that may deepen as the tree matures? I hope the close up photos of the bark were sufficient for identification.

Garry Brockley

ok well try this one Fraxinus oxycarpa http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/FRAOXYA.pdf check out the details about the leaves ect and see if it fits the tree is widespread accross alot of the usa

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jgarner

With some of the images I've seen on the internet, the fall colors or the Claret and Raywood Ash seem very similar. The leaves are also very similar but pictures of them on the internet don't seem to droop around the stem as mine does. I am thinking that these types of Ash trees are the closest match so far. Is there such a thing as DNA testing for trees?

jgarner

I inquired about the Claret Ash from Arborwest and they sent me a closeup photo of the leaves from the Claret Ash (IMG_0302) and it is VERY similar to the photo I posted (IMG_1222), EXCEPT for the serrated edge on the leaves in the photo IMG_0302 from Arborwest (My leaves have a smooth edge).
Also, they are very different colors for this time of year. Does anyone have any clues what the differences show? Could it still be a Claret Ash or some other type of Ash? I also visited my local nursery who has a Raywood Ash which is still green for this time of year. Very confusing........

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Bernard Keays

jgarner,

Its pretty hard to identify a tree without seeing it first hand.

The only other suggestion I could make... Is it a Pistachio nut?

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Bernie

Eric Frei

My guess.

Pistacea chinense - Chinese Pistache

Chinese Pistache

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jgarner

Thanks for the info regarding the Pistacea chinense - Chinese Pistache. It's funny that this was posted today because I just came back from 2-garden centers and they both mentioned that it could be this tree as well, and both of these places had them. The leaf and bark structure was just about identical, but neither were as red as my tree is. I will be visiting these places again over the next couple of weeks to see if they change color.

After getting a close look at these two trees at the nursery's, I would have to say mine is a Chinese Pistache. I was a little disappointed to hear that they do not get very big.