I think this is a small tree actually. The main branches are gnarly with a rough brownish bark. The small branches, or twigs, are a light green and are covered with these wood-like "plates". These plates are about 1 1/2" long and about 1/8" wide. The plates are light brown in color, (at least at this time of the year). They run the full length of the smaller branches, with gaps of about 3/4" - 1" between them. They extend from the branches at almost perfect right angles from each other. Meaning, they form an "X" when looked at from the end of the branch. There are small buds at one end of each of the "plates". Someone told me the grounds where this tree is, was once the site of the Japanese consulate in Staten Island, NY. So it may be of Japanese origin. Any help in identifying this tree would be appreciated. It has become quite a mystery to anyone who looks at it.
I agree with Ron B. (as usual) most likely winged burning bush, aka Euonymus alatus. wonderful red color at the first frost and reasonable compact habit generally.
