This tree is mature, growing at the edge of our pond and even in the pond when the water is high, and I was pretty sure it was a cottonwood. However, it has white berries on it now in the fall, and my books say that cottonwoods have brown berries in the summer. The leaves are about 2" across; you can see some of the grey bark with white marks in the second photo; and all the berries are very hard and three to a stem. The tree itself is about 18' tall, and there are several small ones growing under its dripline (I don't know from the seeds or from root suckers). ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) Here are the berries: ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) I'd love to be sure what this tree is, and am betting someone here can help me find out!
Toni, thank you! Yes, it is a Chinese Tallow because it agrees exactly with the description in Trees of Texas. The long strings of blossoms appeared in early summer. We'll keep the tree, even though it is pretty useless to wildlife. At least it has nice fall color! I just knew someone here could help.
I meant Spring when I asked about the blooms I had been up for a while getting ready to go to my hubbies folks for the day, his grandmother died last Sunday and her funeral was today so my mind wasn't really clear when I posted that response. But good, I am glad I got it right.
Better be careful with Tallows... they will take over! The area where I grew up used to be all prairie land. Now it's nothing but groves of Tallow trees. We've been trying to cut down and dig up every one we see on our property.
