Can you identify this tree?

[WinterWarmLg]

All pics are of the same tree. We live in Southeastern PA, and this tree is likely native and a planted by nature, not by man, judging from where it was growing. No leaves, alas - but we got several pics, from base to top. Snow in 2' drift prevented us from hauling in the chainsaw to take a slice of the interior, but higher temps this week may make that possible by the weekend, if necessary to help with the identification. We're guessing that it was about 35' tall, trunk diameter around 20". Anybody know what it is? Thanks!

 

[Jags]

Birch.

 

[firebroad]

My guess is cherry.

 

[paul bunion]

Aspen/popple

 

[gzecc]

I guess black birch. Cut a branch and smell it. Smell like root beer?

 

[Ehouse]

Aspen/popple

+1

 

[JustWood]

+1

+1

 

[Pellet_Pete]

Definitely aspen. My guess is bigtooth (Populus grandidentata) judging by the diamond-shaped fissures in the younger wood. Come summer, you'll have about a million more of them because they sucker prolifically from their root systems.

 

[homebrewz]

+1

= +2

Quaking Aspen.. lower BTU's, shoulder season wood.

 

[hiites]

Looks like White Poplar to me.

 

[Jags]

Interesting - I generally don't see Aspen bark furrow like the second pic. Mostly consistent all the way to the ground around here. I wonder if this could be a regional thing.

I know the birch around here does furrow as they age - I have one in my yard that looks like a perfect fit to the pics.

 

[hiites]

Interesting - I generally don't see Aspen bark furrow like the second pic. Mostly consistent all the way to the ground around here. I wonder if this could be a regional thing.

I know the birch around here does furrow as they age - I have one in my yard that looks like a perfect fit to the pics.

White Poplar bark will furrow like that on some of the more mature parts of the tree.

 

[TreePointer]

Aspen/popple

+1

A picture of a twig with buds (with size reference) should confirm it.

 

[paul bunion]

Definitely aspen. My guess is bigtooth (Populus grandidentata) judging by the diamond-shaped fissures in the younger wood. Come summer, you'll have about a million more of them because they sucker prolifically from their root systems.

And the resulting thicket makes good cover and forage for animals and birds such as grouse. It might not be the best firewood source but it is a good tree to have around.

 

[mstoelton]

+1 Poplar aka aspen

 

[lindnova]

It is like aspen/popple, but I see some larger branching which makes me think cottonwood or possibly a birch. The lower trunk should be very rough on a cottonwood, but the younger wood would be smooth and white in spots. I don't see much birch around here, but it usually has looser bark than those pics.

 

[WinterWarmLg]

I've done some research based on the opinions you all have given. While I have slight hope that this is a Black (Sweet) Birch, I'm thinking that the White Poplar is more likely. I'll go over this weekend after we get some thawing, and cut a large branch to see and smell it. I'll try to remember to post what I find. Thanks, all!

 

[Applesister]

Some poplar...Quaking aspen usually has that waxy green inner bark.

 

[Applesister]

I think White poplar too. I have a ton of it. Mixed with white pine It gets monster huge. Its not a native species but thats what it looks like to me too. The tops have very white bark.

 

[Applesister]

It is not Black birch.

 

[Fifelaker]

We have a lot of that around here. We call it poplar/ popple.

 

[nrford]

Quaking Aspen.

 

[Razo]

I agree, aspen

 

[tymbee]

Looks nothing at all like Black Birch. It's Poplar. (or "Popple" as some others here as well as my Dad used to call it).

I've done some research based on the opinions you all have given. While I have slight hope that this is a Black (Sweet) Birch, I'm thinking that the White Poplar is more likely. I'll go over this weekend after we get some thawing, and cut a large branch to see and smell it. I'll try to remember to post what I find. Thanks, all!

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Welcome to the forum WinterWarmLg.

For sure popple all the way. Yes, some call it aspen. Not the best for wood burning but will still make firewood. It will also dry fairly fast once cut and split. I would not depend upon it for night burning but spring/fall are great times for this wood. It will not leave you much for coals at the end of the burn and may produce a bit more ash but you can still burn it.