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Weekly Puzzler #217: Endemic Tree With Waxy Leaves and Fragrant, Drooping White Flowers

Happy weekend! Our next puzzler is a native tree with alternate and finely toothed leaves that taste sour. (Yes, I know, most people aren’t going to just go around tasting random leaves! But when I have worked with groups of kids in the woods it is one of the things that is sure to guarantee a reaction. The kids really did enjoy tasting the leaves of this tree. Have you ever tried one? If you have, you have a big clue about the name of this tree.)

The leaves of this small tree turn bright red to purple red in the fall. Here are some photos:

Notice the drooping white flowers.
The waxy leaves can be tasted to give a hint about this tree’s name.
The leaves turn red in late summer, and fall.
Closeup of the white flowers
This small tree is one of the first to appear in fields.
This tree has gorgeous red leaves in the fall.

Do you recognize it? It is a tree you’ve seen in the woods near you? You can use the comment box below to give your guess, then check back next weekend to see if you were correct.

Have a great weekend! Happy Father’s Day. See you all again soon.

6 thoughts on “Weekly Puzzler #217: Endemic Tree With Waxy Leaves and Fragrant, Drooping White Flowers

    1. Sharon Mammoser says:

      Samuel–you are correct! Thanks for taking time to read the posts and comment. Hope to see you again soon.

  1. Joe Goldston says:

    You are tempting me to guess Sourwood! I know the bark and curvaceous trunk better than the leaves

    1. Sharon Mammoser says:

      I do like tempting you… and of course you are correct with your guess. Thanks for reading!

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