Tree ID From Bark Only

[jfeir]

Hi,

I have been trying to identify this deciduous tree from the bark alone but have had not success. The non-native tree occurs in Denver, CO. I’m thinking it is an Ash or Maple but am not sure.

I have clickable thumbnail images of it at:

http://jfeir.home.att.net/dendrology/dendrology.html

Thanks in advance,

John
Evergreen, CO

[SwampDonkey]

Looks like Manitoba maple, box elder, or ashleaf maple (all same species) Acer negundo .

They are widely planted as ornamentals and found naturally as far west and north as southern Alberta, Canada. We have tons of them here in NB colonized from ornamental plantings.

Branchlets are green, sometimes purple on current growth up to 5 years. Sometimes the pith is reddish. Leaves are pinnately compound (leaflets along a single leaf stem). Basically, the leaflets will slough off the main leaf axis like all ashes. When the wood dries it quite light, not much heat value either in cold climates.