tree driving by

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by coelacanth, Jul 17, 2012.

  1. coelacanth

    coelacanth Active Member

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    I drive by a tree every day on my way to work and I'm not sure what it is.

    It's a tree in someone's front yard. The leaves look pinnately compound, the trunk is about 2-3' in diameter, the entire tree is maybe 40-50' tall, and the most striking aspect is the huge pyramidal yellow inflorescences. July in northern Illinois. What could this be?
     
  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Check out Koelreuteria paniculata.
     
  3. coelacanth

    coelacanth Active Member

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    Hm, the flowers don't seem as "pyramidal" as I remember. Maybe it is just a really big sumac?!?
     
  4. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Too big for sumac. Maybe Ailanthus. Or Styphnolobium.
     
  5. coelacanth

    coelacanth Active Member

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    I thought it was late to be flowering...the yellow I saw while driving by was fruits. Apologies for low-quality photos, all I had with me was my phone.
     

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  6. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Ailanthus altissima.
     
  7. coelacanth

    coelacanth Active Member

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    Thanks!
     

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