Small tree ID

[g squared 23]

I was out squirrel hunting today and came across a couple of small trees. They did not really register so I figured I'd take a picture and investigate.

First

Second



Any ideas? Either have any wildlife value.? These are in an area that are primarily Burr Oak (or oak of some kind), so I won't remove unless they are "problem" trees.


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[KDdid]

The second is a cherry- I'm thinking the first is an elm.

 

[Doe Shooter]

The second is a cherry- I'm thinking the first is an elm.

Agree. Does the elm have flaired trunk at ground level?Go to the IDNR site and order a copy of " FOREST TREES OF ILLINOIS". Good for a life time of use.

 

[j-bird]

Second is black cherry - no doubt in my mind. The first looks like hophornbeam to me possibly an elm.

 

[X-farmerdan]

I'm going with Slippery Elm on the first one.

 

[g squared 23]

Are black cherries good for wildlife? Is it something I should release? It's in an area with a lot of burr oaks.


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[Native Hunter]

Are black cherries good for wildlife? Is it something I should release? It's in an area with a lot of burr oaks.

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Lots of wildlife, including deer will eat the cherries. In my area they are everywhere in fence rows and the edges of woods, so I would never think about planting any. But, if there are not many in your area, I would recommend trying to have a few just for the sake of diversity.

I hate them around NWSG fields because of the abundant seedlings from the fruit. One other thing to keep in mind is that the leaves are toxic to cattle. Every utility right of way contract I've ever worked on has a clause that they have to be cleaned up and removed when cut down. Might not be important to you, but just thought I would throw that in.

Even though they make a fairly large tree given enough time, you would have a hard time getting one to survive inside a woods that has large climax trees like oaks, poplar, etc. You would have to clear out a pretty big area around the BC. They are best suited for fence rows and southern edges of timber where they can't eventually be shaded out.

Best wishes....

 

[Doe Shooter]

Are black cherries good for wildlife? Is it something I should release? It's in an area with a lot of burr oaks.


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IMO the best smoking/bbq wood there is.

 

[Doe Shooter]

I'm going with Slippery Elm on the first one.

Agree. AKA red elm.

 

[j-bird]

Black cherry is an excellent timber tree as well - IF you can get them large enough. They tend to have a lot of sap and that attracts bugs, which attracts birds and as such that combination tends to lead to my property not supporting large black cherry trees. Woodpeckers and even the wind tend to play hell on cherry trees. Birds and small critters really like the cherries. I had a bunch of them spring up after a timber harvest so I won't be planting any. Like was mentioned it can make good BBQ wood for a smoker as well. I don't see a need to remove it - unless it's crowding something better, but I would not go to great lengths to promote it as well. They are pretty prolific in my area so in my case you put sunlight on the ground....your going ot get young cherry trees.

 

[snowracerh]

1st one may be a siberian elm. Often mistaken as a chinese elm.

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