Tree ID

[tstrum]

This tree was given to me this weekend. I was told it had been collected 3 years ago and nothing done with it since. It was collected in Oklahoma from a field owned by a bonsai collector. So I don't know if it's native or if it was planted intentionally for the purpose of later being dug up.

I was hoping to get some help identifying the species for this tree but also was curious how most people go about doing their own research when finding/collecting unknown species?

 

[Quince]

It looks very much like a hackberry.

When I am trying to identify an unfamiliar spices I usually refer to a field guide, like Peterson's "A Field Guide to Eastern Trees" In the case of trees from a different region I might have an educated guess about the genus but not the exact species so I plug it into Google images along with a a pertinent detail like the state or province. It helps to be familiar with the botanical terminology describing bud arrangement, leaf edge type, texture, and shape. Sometimes exact speces is impossible to determine without flowers or fruit.

 

[BrianBay9]

I agree with hackberry. Alternate leaves, each with three prominent veins joining at the base - pretty much diagnostic for american hackberry

 

[sorce]

Hack, the top two feet, berry!

Sorce

 

[tstrum]

Good call, that's exactly what it is. Leafs are a perfect match!
Thank you also for the tips on how to begin learning to id them for myself!

 

[Mike MoMo]

Well I collected this tree this spring. It is doing well but I have yet to figure what it is. Beech, Birch, Cottonwood. It's not an Oak or Maple. If anyone can help Thanks. If not the Truth will come in due time.

 

[Ryan H]

Well I collected this tree this spring. It is doing well but I have yet to figure what it is. Beech, Birch, Cottonwood. It's not an Oak or Maple. If anyone can help Thanks. If not the Truth will come in due time.

I think this looks closer to a penn ash to me.. kinda hard to tell with the new growth

 

[Quince]

I would say Pagoda Dogwood, Cornus alternifolia. A consistent characteristic of dogwoods is leaf veins that follow the edge of the leaf. C. alternifolia is unique among dogwoods in that, as the name suggests, the leaves are alternating on the stem rather than opposite each other. Pagoda dogwoods grow well in the shade of other trees and have a beautiful form. As for their adaptability to pot culture, I just don't know.

 

[Quince]

This is how I shape mine.

Sorry bout the crappy nighttime pic.

 

[Mike MoMo]

The tree was about 8 feet tall before I cut it . Both Dogwood and Penn Ash fit the leaf shape and grow in this zone. All I can really do is wait for seeds or flowers to get more info.

 

[Potawatomi13]

I would say Pagoda Dogwood, Cornus alternifolia. A consistent characteristic of dogwoods is leaf veins that follow the edge of the leaf. C. alternifolia is unique among dogwoods in that, as the name suggests, the leaves are alternating on the stem rather than opposite each other. Pagoda dogwoods grow well in the shade of other trees and have a beautiful form. As for their adaptability to pot culture, I just don't know.

These leaves are opposite, not alternate.

 

[Quince]

In picture #2 at the first nodes it's true that you can see a couple cases of opposite leaves, and the growth on the tips obscures the structure, but look closely and check out picture #3. Nearly every leaf in this picture is alternate. You will not see this arrangement in the grey dogwood, osier, kousa, or any other that I am aware of.

 

[M. Frary]

Could be just good old foemina.

 

[Quince]

Could be just good old foemina.

I came across this and it made me think of you.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Could be just good old foemina.

From Latin... meaning feminine or female. See? Who said four years of Latin wouldn't be useful?!

 

[just.wing.it]

From Latin... meaning feminine or female. See? Who said four years of Latin wouldn't be useful?!

I also took at least 4 years of Latin as a youngin.... Always hated it, never used it until bonsai found me.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I also took at least 4 years of Latin as a youngin.... Always hated it, never used it until bonsai found me.

You use it a lot if you study Italian or Spanish.

 

[just.wing.it]

You use it a lot if you study Italian or Spanish.

Absolutely, yes.
It is a great foundation for anyone interested in foreign languages.