Help with identifying this leaf/tree.

[CooperT]

On my walks between buildings I keep noticing this tree. Small leaves, short internodes, rough mature bark. Here is a leaf from the tree:

Can anyone tell me what kind of tree this is and if it would make a good bonsai and if a cutting or air layer would work as I don't see any seedlings, but haven't looked around closely. There are about 4 or 5 large (10+ ft or more) trees of this variety along the edge of the hill.

Thanks,

Tim

 

[HotAction]

Does the tree have thorns?

 

[CooperT]

Not that I can see. But from looking at some pictures of Hawthorn leaves, this does look like it could be. I'll take a closer look on my walk back down. Wish I had my digital camera to take better pictures.

 

[treebeard55]

Sure looks like hawthorn to me. Another possibility is some variety of crabapple, but hawthorn is my first opinion.

 

[rockm]

Definitely a hawthorn--probably an ornamental crataegus laevigata

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crataegus_laevigata

They make excellent bonsai, but since this variety isn't a native plant to your area, the plant you're looking at is a planted ornamental and most likely belongs to someone (either the building owner, or property owner). Before doing anything to it, you should ask them for permission.

Now isn't the time to make air layers. Spring is ideal for any work on this.

 

[CooperT]

Thanks for the info guys!

It's on a hillside along a road among a small forest of brush and other trees. Either belongs to the city of the hospital nearby... Must have found it's way here from the neighborhood via air or bird.

I know now isn't a good time for air layering, just wondering if it would air layer in general.

Thanks again!

Tim

 

[Klytus]

Are there berries?

 

[Tachigi]

On my walks between buildings I keep noticing this tree. Small leaves, short internodes, rough mature bark.........Can anyone tell me what kind of tree this is and if it would make a good bonsai

Tim

Tim this isn't really directed at you, but this statement is a common mantra heard to often.

In your description of this tree, you described all great attributes of a potential bonsai ..... so what difference does it make what type of tree it is? Its good collectible material for your purposes, providing you have permission. Collect, or propagate if you have permission...worry about its species later.

 

[CooperT]

I guess the main reason I wanted to know what it was for care, time to propagate, etc. But I agree and as Nike used to say "Just do it!".

Tim this isn't really directed at you, but this statement is a common mantra heard to often.

In your description of this tree, you described all great attributes of a potential bonsai ..... so what difference does it make what type of tree it is? Its good collectible material for your purposes, providing you have permission. Collect, or propagate if you have permission...worry about its species later.

 

[CooperT]

Are there berries?

No berries that I can see on any of the trees of this type.