Central Virginia, standing dead. Think it may be some type of ash due to the larvae trails. I have a lot of dead ash on property, but the bark is different, and wood is stringy on this tree.
Another wood ID
- Thread starter Conkl
- Start date
-
Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.
We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.
We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Simonkenton
Minister of Fire
I also think it is Ash. I am thinking it is different type of Ash compared to most of what's on my property. After searching the web I found that there are numerous types of Ash and they are all attacked by the EAB. I will have to do some more research to figure out what species of Ash it might be. More curious then important to solve this. It will burn.
Have not seen a leaf on any of my Ash in a long time unfortunately.
whatyousmokin
Member
Have to go with elm. Elm is pretty stringy, ash splits pretty clean. I have seen borer tracks on our dead elms and cottonwood, not necessarily caused by ash borer. There are all kinds of borer insects, elm bark beetle comes to mind.
This is photo of bark of field elm from https://leafyplace.com/elm-tree-types-bark-leaves/
This is photo of bark of field elm from https://leafyplace.com/elm-tree-types-bark-leaves/
looks like two different barks..
The wood really does look more like oak. But the bark doesnt perfectly, I would expect a bit more of a dragon scale look. There are oak borers.
johneh
Minister of Fire
I think it may be ash but I agree that just because there are insect lines under the bark
does not mean it is ash . The American elm standing dead here also has insect lines under
the bark as does some Oak
whatyousmokin
Member
Curiosity prompted me to go take a closer look at some of our dead ash here. Took a photo of what our ash bark typically looks like (ash1), but there were a couple of ash trees that have bark *similar* to what Conkle posted. The very young ash trees that sprout here have bark seen on the right in ash2 photo and left in ash photo3. Very possible ash. The stringy nature is not what I have experienced with any ash we've split but the wood looks right.
Here is another tree on my property that has the same type of bark that I posted in my original post. Tree (was) 85ft tall and 24 inches at the butt. Not sure if it is a different species of ash or if the bark on larger mature trees changes. One of the Tree identification apps said possible white ash, but was not definitive.
whatyousmokin
Member
That looks similar to persimmon, persimmon would have a dark heartwood though. Probably ash though🤷♀️. Maybe have a state forester come out and help you identify what you have on our property just to satisfy curiosity?
Last edited:
CincyBurner
Minister of Fire
whatyousmokin
Member
Agree. But Conkl mentioned the tree height was 85 ft., think that would be a stretch for either persimmon or black gum. wonder what the heartwood looks like on that particular tree.
CincyBurner
Minister of Fire
. . . and black gum will have alternate branching habit too.
OP - What is branching habit ? Is it opposite (twigs and branches opposite attachment to one another) ?
OP - What is branching habit ? Is it opposite (twigs and branches opposite attachment to one another) ?
Not sure on the opposite branching, will look to see if I have a similar tree that has branches still attached. These trees are standing dead so smaller branches have fallen.
Sorry for the delay, was out in the woods all day. Here are some pics of a tree with similar bark and its branches also a picture of a butt end of the original tree.
CincyBurner
Minister of Fire
One of first criteria should be branching habit: Opposite or Alternate.
Bark is often a poor diagnostic for spp ID. There is a continuum of variability. The OP's examples make the point.
. . . its ash
Good point on the opposite branching. Dogwood does that, and the bark looks similar, too. Plus, it can be stringy, as mentioned. It’s the Virginia state tree, also. LOL
Last edited:
whatyousmokin
Member
Simonkenton
Minister of Fire
Bark looks like persimmon but persimmon is dense straight grain not stringy.a look alike with that grain I'd say black gum. Elm the growth rings look wavy, so yes sir my guess black gum. Oh and dogwood has a pinkish hue to it when split, here in NC anyway with white flowers in spring. Very similar bark but tends to have a slight bit of flake to it like a black cherry. So yes my guess would be black gum.
