What is this tree? - Ask Extension
My neighbors have a tree infested with lanternflies. I am not sure what species it is, as it is not immediately identifiable as a Tree of Heaven. Thre...
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What is this tree? #890006
Asked November 18, 2024, 2:44 PM EST
My neighbors have a tree infested with lanternflies. I am not sure what species it is, as it is not immediately identifiable as a Tree of Heaven. Three different arborists have different opinions.
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
More photos.
Green leaves still on the tree.
Please let me know if you need any other information. Thank you.
Were the berries pictured attached to the tree, or might they have fallen off of a vine that used to be growing on the tree, or from another plant nearby? The leaves look opposite and pinnately compound, which narrows the pool of candidate species down considerably. Were any nuts (like from a hickory) under the tree, or are any seeds of any type left on any branches/twigs? A full view of fresh foliage would be helpful, though we realize it might be well out of reach. What species did each of the three arborists say it is? They will have an easier time at confirming ID or working though a tree ID key than we will using only photos. So far, ash, hickory, and a couple oddball species of invasive trees are candidates for opposite leaves of that type. None produce those types of berry-like seed clusters, though, which is a key trait that is throwing us off and making us suspect that they are from another plant.
Miri
Miri
Hi Miri,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.
For now, this is a picture of the foliage when I cut it down a couple of weeks ago.
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.
Those berries were attached to the tree. There are more berries still attached, though at a height it is difficult to reach or photograph. They have no fuzz and no visible nut.
There are no seeds or nuts below the tree. This is the first year I've seen berries on the tree. It produces flowers every spring, which are fluffy tuft things.
Two arborists believe it is a Tree of Heaven, but the leaves do not have the little bumps at the base, nor has it ever produced samaras. One arborist identified it as a Hackberry, but that does not have pinnate leaves, so even though the berries look similar that seems unlikely.
There are no seeds or nuts below the tree. This is the first year I've seen berries on the tree. It produces flowers every spring, which are fluffy tuft things.
Two arborists believe it is a Tree of Heaven, but the leaves do not have the little bumps at the base, nor has it ever produced samaras. One arborist identified it as a Hackberry, but that does not have pinnate leaves, so even though the berries look similar that seems unlikely.
I will have to go through older photos to see if I have any good looks at the foliage.
For now, this is a picture of the foliage when I cut it down a couple of weeks ago.
William Wulf
Lunaria, Ltd. Consulting
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Lunaria, Ltd. Consulting
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We think it is an Amur Corktree. You can refer to the Dendrology Key from Virginia Tech.
Emily
Emily and Miri,
I do believe you've solved my question! That does in fact look exactly like it. And it explains why my roses on that side of my yard died!
I won't have any qualms about accidentally killing it by removing what is over my yard then, and I can tell my neighbors if they want to remove it.
I won't have any qualms about accidentally killing it by removing what is over my yard then, and I can tell my neighbors if they want to remove it.
Thank you so much for your assistance, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
William
You're welcome! You as well!
