View Full Version : Identify tree along AT
This past June I was hiking the AT in NC as it crosses the Watauga Dam. Just before the dam, on the south service road is a tree with very large leaves (14" long) and what, at the time looked like clusters nuts. I am trying to identify this tree. Has anyone else seen this tree and/or know what it is?
I have attached a photo.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PATO2
Another tree with similiar leaves would be either of the two catalpa species.
USDA Plants (http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CATAL)
berkshirebirder
11-03-2010, 00:42
Maybe a sourwood?
http://www.thegardenerseden.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/oxydendrum-arboreumsourwood.jpg
Sourwood leaves are smaller and your image depicts fall foliage.
http://www.dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/main.htm
http://www.dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=145 (http://www.dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=145)
The Princess tree seems to be best id so far. Someone also suggested a Royal Empress Tree which is what seems to be the same thing. The images I found online don't quite match the clustring of puds/pods in this photo but that may vary tree to tree but I think this is the correct ID. Thanks.
Were you to post a larger image showing what you thought to be nuts in greater detail, we could sort it out. Perhaps you could resize your image or post it to your gallery.
The flowers and fruit of Princesstree are quite different from those produced by catalpas.
I didn't notice your last post until mine appeared.
After rereading and giving more thought to what you posted earlier, consulting Manual of the Vascular Plants of the Carolinas and viewing your reposted images, I now believe your tree had already flowered. What we see in your images are immature capsules.
Here's are two more links about princesstree including some facts you may find interesting.
http://www.paflora.org/Paulownia%20tomentosa.pdf
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/printree.shtml (http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/printree.shtml)
90 % sure, I would ID it as, Paulownia genus. Seedpods and leaf shape are dead give aways. Leaves are rather large and coarse. Species not as positive but most likely tomentosa, making it a Paulownia tomentosa. Tomentosa referring to the fuzzy hairs on the leaves. Common name Dragon tree, as many of the 17 or so species originate in China, or the more common name of Royal Empress tree. Purple flowers as Emerald stated in late spring possibly into early summer. The wood is used as lumber and for making furniture/jewelry boxes etc in China. One of the fastest growing flowering trees and often advertised as such on the back pages of magazines. Usually, cutting it down to the ground results in new EXTREMELY rapid growth! Some folks keep it small by cutting it back HARD each spring. I have seen them grow 20 ft and flower after being cut to the ground in one growing season. Considered an invasive weed tree in the southeastern U.S.
There is another mature one on the AT on the left side of the road just after crossing over Fontana Dam. I distinctly remember the one at Fontana Dam because it was in purple bloom along with a blooming Cucumber Magnolia(native, large whiteish/yellowish saucer bowl shaped flowers, somewhat fragrant but usually high up in the tree so most folks don't realize how fragrant the flowers can be) and blooming Black Locust(hanging white extremely and pleasantly fragrant panicle like flowers(there are also purple flowered thornless cultivars), thorny, another possibly invasive tree that will grow virtually ANYWHERE, it has a stout constitution, we often comment in the landscape trade that this tree will grow in concrete! The three trees in bloom at the same time stopped me in my tracks! I also remember the one you are mentioning at Wautauga Dam. The one at Wautauga Dam was smaller though and looked as if it had been cut down several times.
Catalpa(speciosa and bignoides) has somewhat similar shaped leaves but the seedpods are different which are good identifying characteristics when not in bloom.
I carried up to 3 plant books at once on my AT thru-hike, stopping to identify every single plant I didn't already know! It made for some VERY SHORT mileage hiking days!
Emerald is also correct about the not yet fully ripened seedpods. When the seedpods of the Princess Tree are fully ripe they will be dusky brown, rather dry, and split open revealing the shiny seeds inside.
Not a Sourwood(Oxydendrum arborea) tree either. I know that tree well. It's one of my Top 10 favorite native trees. It's not used enough in the home landscape, largely because they are hard to propagate, transplant, and rather slow/med rate growing. There are many along the AT in the south and mid Atlantic states. IMO, all are stunning! It provides 4 seasons of interest shining yr round with its white slightly fragrant spring blooms, seedpods that form after the blooms in summer and hang on the tree during winter, stunning reddish fall color, and the blocky alligator skin like bark and seedpods in winter. Should be planted much more!