Trying to identify this tree.....or plant......please help.

Brighton, MI

I can't recall where I got this tree/plant, but it appears to be somewhat tropical. It began growing as a single plant in my yard several years ago, and it's root system quickly spread near the surface and before long I had multiple plants. This year, I've found many more of these plants/trees growing elsewhere in the yard, all around 3 to 4 ft tall. Not sure how tall they would grow, but I do recall tearing one out of the ground after reaching 6 or 7 feet. I'm in Michigan, which is not exactly a tropical paradise, so I'm very curious as to what this is. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Thumbnail by dmm425
Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b)

It does have the appearance of a Sumac (Rhus).

Bend, OR(Zone 4b)

I would guess sumac also. They thrive here in zone 5. Their flowers are very tropical looking, too.

Brighton, MI

Thanks for the replies! Sumac sounds like the answer.........will check some more to confirm.

Niles, MI(Zone 5a)

after reading the post, i changed my mind and agree....

This message was edited May 19, 2010 11:20 PM

Toronto, ON(Zone 6b)

It looks to me like a stinky old Ailanthus altissima. Crush the leaves, if it stinks, get rid of it. It is a horrible weed.
Robb

Niles, MI(Zone 5a)

yeah that's what i thought too. except for the underground "runners". like robb said, do the sniff test on the leaves.

Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a)

Can't tell for sure, but certainly looks worrisomely like ailanthus.
There is definitely a characteristic smell when pulling an ailanthus sucker.
I've seen magazines which have 'scratch n' sniff' ads for fragrances.
Surely modern technology is available for you to post a 'scratch n' sniff' equivalent on line?
I can identify it with one whiff!

Anne Arundel,, MD(Zone 7b)

I think I see teeth on the leaves and will say sumac. To me sumac can smell prettty nasty too.

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