what tree is this?

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by naturna, Nov 9, 2006.

  1. naturna

    naturna Member

    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Surrey, Canada
    I have a large tree in my front yard that sheds its bark, has very large leaves (similar to oak in shape) and drops its round (urchin shaped) spiny seeds. I was wondering if its an arbutus or species of maple. All I know is it makes a real mess to clean up after... Anyone know its name?
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

    Messages:
    21,396
    Likes Received:
    844
    Location:
    Not here
    Don't remember which one might have that bark but otherwise sounds like bur oak, Daimyo oak or other coarse oak species.
     
  3. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

    Messages:
    11,559
    Likes Received:
    574
    Location:
    Britain zone 8/9
    Sounds like Platanus to me
     
  4. treeguy123

    treeguy123 Active Member

    Messages:
    38
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    US, Zone 7a
  5. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

    Messages:
    21,396
    Likes Received:
    844
    Location:
    Not here
    Except for leaves "similar to oak in shape" Platanus would certainly be a good fit. If the leaves of the tree are actually similar to maple in shape then very likely we have a winner.
     
  6. deercatcher

    deercatcher Member

    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    shreveport La. UsA
    You seem to be describing a Liquidambar tree. Also known as a sweet gum. It has a spiny round ball dropped for most of the winter and spring. It has a star shaped or goat head shaped leaf.
     
  7. Liz

    Liz Well-Known Member 10 Years

    Messages:
    1,526
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Victoria Australia [cool temperate]
    I am looking out at a beautiful red Liquidambar tree right now. It is sourrounded by birch trees that are about to turn gold. Is this what your leaves are like????

    http://www.pbase.com/sheila/image/2294675

    Liz
     
  8. naturna

    naturna Member

    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Surrey, Canada
    Hi Liz
    Thanks for the photo of the Liquidambar. After looking at the picture I think we can rule that out. These leaves are probably closer to maple so the writer above I think could be right. An American Sycamore. btw the climate must be very warm there for the large palms to be growing so well. I had a few in my yard here in vancouver, canada but because of the snow that hung around this year I lost them :-( Oh well, probably too cool here for them anyway.
     

Share This Page