Hi Mirai Community,
I was checking on some trees I planted in the Green Bay Wisconsin area and came across this tree. Can anyone help identify it?
I plan on checking the tree again in spring after leaf push, but it looked like something that may be worth collecting. I’ve watched the live streams about collecting and was also curious about peoples experiences with deciduous collecting - spring or fall?
Thank you for your time and expertise!
I have no clue about the species although I like to dig in the spring. The thing I really like is that you put towels or sheets around the tree to get the picture - something we all need to do before we post.
Thank you for letting me know you collect in the spring and for taking a look to see if you knew the species. After I posted some pictures this spring about some pests on one of my trees I thought adding a white background would help others see things better; glad it worked as intended.
Really tough to identify without some leaves on the tree, the bark resembles a trident maple, but the branch structure isn’t right for a trident? Regardless it looks like a great tree for collecting, it also has potential for several air layers, might consider that before you dig it? I strongly agree with the spring collection unless you have the ability to protect it over winter! Collection would be just as buds begin to swell in spring! If you go the air layer route first apply your air layers after the first flush of leaves hardens off- probably around June in your region! Good luck with it! Nice candidate!
Funny you mention maple characteristics. I’ve been researching bark and branching characteristics the last few nights and I’m really leaning towards this being a silver maple (acer saccharinum) when I read “young trees or branches, smooth and varies in color from reddish to a yellowish-gray” which describes what I’m seeing pretty accurately however, I am definitely going to check in the spring and let it be for now. Unfortunately, people have said they have not had much luck with this species in regards to the leaves getting smaller.
I actually built a small greenhouse to give me more flexibility with when I can do work wise and “extended” the growing season but I don’t want to develop an attitude that just because I can do something doesn’t mean I should do something. Basically, just want to respect the material.
Thank you for the post and sharing your knowledge!
My plant identifier app . Says American hornbeam . That’s a distinct possibility . Silver maple . I play with I feel the young stem bark is fairly accurate . But the mature trunk not so much . I live Ontario Canada very similar usda zone 4 to you . Collect early spring when buds swell. Plan on about mid April . In my humble opinion . Spring collection in our climate is best . Gives plant max time to recover before there largest test . Which is surviving first winter . Fall collection is possible but risks are higher . Only people that I’m aware are consistent successful have a green house . Both hornbeam and silver are vigorous making survival . On the more positive side
Thank you for the collecting information; especially with us being in the same zone.
I have a mature American Hornbeam in my yard along with young hornbeams from 1 to 4/5 years old and their bark across that age group looks almost identical to the mature one.
I read that too, silver maples are rapid growing. Doesn’t seem like many people have them in their bonsai gardens, or at least their not writing much about them, due to issues with getting smaller leaves, but I’m going to keep looking around to see if there’s a method to accomplish smaller leafs.
Mulberry is another possibility for your tree . As for maple . Red maple is another possibility in your area . Your only going to get a percentage of leaf reduction with any tree . So one way to overcome that is tree size . As for your location . Eastern cedar. ( arborvitae) eastern larch . Wild cherry . And cow chomped apple . Are all good candidates . Go to the lake . Especially up north . Where the wind is a factor .
Nice, thanks for sharing! Mulberry is another one that came up on my app too, but so did magnolia and a couple other trees found in the southern US, so I wasn’t sure how accurate the apps information was without leaves. I will definitely look into Mulberry more.
Wait till spring leaf out. Post a photo…
K
