plant id...and huge tree

[bmilla35]

Hey guys...I had the pleasure to finally get out and go on a little hike (Crooked Creek Lake...hiked on the Baker's trail). Unfortunately, I forgot a digital camera so I didn't really take any pics. There was one plant that I stumbled upon while my friends was skipping stones that smelled realllyyyy good. While I have no idea what it is, I thought one of you might have a good idea.

Here is the picture...I took it with my cell phone so excuse the semi-bad quality

Alright here is a picture of a huge fallen tree. Out here on the East coast trees dont get this big. I.e., it's the biggest tree I ever saw in person. The person on the picture is my friend, who is about 6'7.

 

[PB Wilson]

Wow! That's one ancient tree.

Any idea what species it is?

 

[Fubarski]

Any fatwood in it?

Could be the mother lode.

 

[kvaughn]

The plant looks like maybe early cattails.Too early to be sure with your picture.It would have a tuberous root.--KV

 

[bmilla35]

 

[bmilla35]

I uploaded a picture of the roots to help clarify any questions about the roots. Fyi I don't think there was any fatwood. And I don't have a clue as to the species..but I too am curious. Maybe some kind of oak?

 

[lambertiana]

The tree is definitely hardwood, and my first guess, based on the appearance of the bark, would be white oak. But I would have to look at it in person to be sure.

 

[bmilla35]

The tree is definitely hardwood, and my first guess, based on the appearance of the bark, would be white oak. But I would have to look at it in person to be sure.

There were plenty of oaks around..so that's not out of the question. It's.just twice the size of any surrounding tree. Actually maybe a little more!

 

[Billy_Dee]

Yeah, got to be oak, or maple. My guess. BD

 

[bmilla35]

Any other ideas on the plant? I'm hoping doc chimes in here

 

[Joel Stave]

For whatever it's worth, I was thinking maple too, just from the look of the bark. Bmilla35, I'm giving you an assignment. Go back there and take a bunch more pictures of that tree. Make a day of it. Tell your boss I said it was OK.

 

[bmilla35]

For whatever it's worth, I was thinking maple too, just from the look of the bark. Bmilla35, I'm giving you an assignment. Go back there and take a bunch more pictures of that tree. Make a day of it. Tell your boss I said it was OK.

I can do that..no prob. I'll have them up by memorial day

 

[bmilla35]

Here are the pics as promised...

 

[Joel Stave]

Well, I no longer think it's a maple. From the bark, I'd say either a red oak or an ash.

Anybody else?

 

[Wildewinds]

We had an ash tree that was about that size. That bark sure looks a lot like ash to me too.

 

[bmilla35]

Ash? Hmm...interesting. I never really though about that

 

[lambertiana]

Did you smell the wood? Oak has a distinctive smell. And if it had any old leaves still attached to any of the branches, that would help a lot.

 

[bmilla35]

Did you smell the wood? Oak has a distinctive smell. And if it had any old leaves still attached to any of the branches, that would help a lot.

Unfortunately, no leaves. The tree has been down for 2 years I believe. I don't know when I will be there next but I can certainly smell the wood. I have some oak at my camp to compare it too

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Hey bm35,

Received your email, but thought I would reply here in case it stimulated someone else's response.

I did read this thread, but didn't reply because I had no idea what the plant is. The only thing that came to mind was Sweet Grass (Hierochloe odorata) which I have never seen nor identified.

I checked in Google Image Search and some of the pictures resemble what you posted, especially this one.

I also checked USDA for range distribution and found this map (scan down). Checking in this site, it listed some distribution in Pennsylvania.

What do you think?

Doc

 

[bmilla35]

Hey bm35,

Received your email, but thought I would reply here in case it stimulated someone else's response.

I did read this thread, but didn't reply because I had no idea what the plant is. The only thing that came to mind was Sweet Grass (Hierochloe odorata) which I have never seen nor identified.

I checked in Google Image Search and some of the pictures resemble what you posted, especially this one.

I also checked USDA for range distribution and found this map (scan down). Checking in this site, it listed some distribution in Pennsylvania.

What do you think?

Doc

Thanks for the quick response! Sweet grass does look like a good match. I will make a trip out there in a few weeks and see if it looks different. The picture from the following link is what really made me believe it was sweet grass. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...&ndsp=18&tbs=isch:1&ei=XtcHTPeYEML6lwejw4SKDg