Tree/Leaf ID please.

[Willb]

Hi,

The image below was taken in early spring in Oxfordshire. It is a species growing in an hedgerow. Having some problems ID'ing it (Black balsam poplar? Small-leaved elm? are some thoughts).

Suggestions welcome. Thanks ahead of time.

[aeshna5]

They do look like Western Balsam Poplar, Populus trichocarpa, leaves to me, or one of its hybrids. There should have been an obvious sweet resinous smell if your nose works ok!

[tufftie]

I'm not good on poplars but fairly sure it's not a small-leaved elm. i realise this is not much help but has taken one out the equation anyway!

[Force Eleven]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

They do look like Western Balsam Poplar, Populus trichocarpa, leaves to me, or one of its hybrids. There should have been an obvious sweet resinous smell if your nose works ok!

Yeah it looks a lot like that when I look at my key. I can see why you are a little unsure though

F11

[Adam Cheeseman]

Hi Will,

You don't have a picture of the whole plant do you?

Cheers,

Adam

[Willb]

Thank you all for your comments.

I caught this shot more for the aesthetics and stupidly didn't get a wide shot of the whole tree. It stood about 30ft, quite upright with not a large canopy, quite slended looking. As I mentioned, growing in a hedgerow. The leaves were very early. the only other visible flushes of green in the hedgerows at that time were Hawthorn (mid to late April?).

Cheers,

Will