This large native tree has a trunk up to 4 feet in diameter, with a deeply furrowed, variable bark pattern, even on the same trunk (B). The winter twigs have rounded, fuzzy buds above three-lobed leaf scars (C). The compound leaves have 12-20 slender leaflets not quite opposite on the stalk (A). The spherical fruit is a smooth, pale yellow husk (E). It turns black as it matures, yielding a rough, black nut up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter (F). The tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) has similar leaves, but quite different buds and fruit.
Grows mostly in upland woods, but also on floodplains, flowering in May and June. In Fontenelle Forest, uncommon in Child’s Hollow. At Neale Woods, uncommon in Settler’s Hollow.
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