I’ve been going for hikes weekly now that the weather is generally warmer and more spring-like. One of my favorite places to go is about 30 minutes south of where I live, a fact that is obvious right away as even that short distance means most of the trees have leafed-out and the spring ephemerals are several weeks ahead of what we’re seeing here outside of Asheville.
This week’s puzzler is a tree that leafs out before most all of the other trees. When I was just starting to see a few Trillium and Violet leaves, this tree was already almost ready to open its leaves, which are super distinctive because they are palmately compound with 5-7 oval, pointed leaflets. And the flowers on this tree are also super distinctive, as they grow on erect panicles up to 7 inches long and 3 inches wide. Right now they are in full bloom, so super early in the spring before much else has leafed out.
Check out some photos:
Do you recognize this distinctive tree? It lives in the eastern half of the United States, especially in rich forests.
If you want to guess, use the reply box under the post, then check back next weekend to see the correct answer.