Tree ID? - Ask Extension
This tree is located in a sunny, dry backyard in Bowie. I will attach photos of the leaflet and the bark. I neglected to photograph the entire tree, b...
Knowledgebase
Tree ID? #816298
Asked November 11, 2022, 11:45 AM EST
This tree is located in a sunny, dry backyard in Bowie. I will attach photos of the leaflet and the bark. I neglected to photograph the entire tree, but the overall form reminds me of a very tall poison sumac. It is about ten feet tall, DBH is about 3.5 inches. Crushed leaves do not smell. No evidence of flowers or berries/fruit. The owner reports that it is a very fast grower, and she did not notice it before this year. Please let me know if you are able to identify this plant.
Prince George's County Maryland
Expert Response
This resembles an invasive tree called Amur Corktree (Phellodendron amurense), though we can't be sure until it produces flowers or fruit (berries or dry seeds) for comparison since there are several trees with compound leaves similar in appearance to this, and tree bark characteristics can change as a tree matures. (Plant ID relies heavily on flower structure.) Leaf arrangement helps as well; Poison Sumac leaves are alternate along the branch, whereas Corktree leaves are opposite each other where they attach to the branch. (The entire leaves, not the leaflets.)
Although we realize you mention it has no scent, typically corktree has a notable citrus / terpentine-like smell when the leaves are crushed (see page 158 of that linked publication), though that might vary with the genetic makeup of particular individuals.
If this is the correct ID, we recommend it be removed since it is beginning to spread in Maryland. It won't spread if it's not producing seed, though, so if you're/she's unsure and want to wait until it's older to verify ID, that's fine.
Miri
Although we realize you mention it has no scent, typically corktree has a notable citrus / terpentine-like smell when the leaves are crushed (see page 158 of that linked publication), though that might vary with the genetic makeup of particular individuals.
If this is the correct ID, we recommend it be removed since it is beginning to spread in Maryland. It won't spread if it's not producing seed, though, so if you're/she's unsure and want to wait until it's older to verify ID, that's fine.
Miri
