What kind of tree is this?

[Mgderf]

This is growing on my property, but most of this tree is laying on the ground.
There are probably 4 trunks altogether at ground level and 2 are mostly upright, but at least on big limb is 30' long and on the ground.
If it's not a fruit tree I want to trim it back.
If it is a fruit tree I might reassess.
Thanks for any help

 

[Rookie]

Picture this is a free app that helps identify trees.

 

[Rookie]

 

[DoggyDaddy]

View attachment 348246

Somebody must have one near me, because I get a crap-ton of little trees that come up in my flowerbeds and around the yard every year. The leaves look exactly like that, but I've never let them get big enough to bloom.

 

[Mgderf]

View attachment 348246

I would not have guessed cherry.
Is this species any good to eat?

 

[BugI02]

Somebody must have one near me, because I get a crap-ton of little trees that come up in my flowerbeds and around the yard every year. The leaves look exactly like that, but I've never let them get big enough to bloom.

Birds probably 'drop off' the seeds for you

Works for thistles, too. Ask me how I know

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I would not have guessed cherry.
Is this species any good to eat?

It's a little "woody"...

 

[Michigan Slim]

Great firewood. Snaps and crackles like a fire should. I cook on it a lot at the cabin.

 

[patience0830]

I would not have guessed cherry.
Is this species any good to eat?

Squirrels like them early in the season but they're mostly seed. About 95% seed. They do make nice furniture and firewood. The wood darkens with age like Osage will.

 

[Mgderf]

It's a little "woody"...

I remember him, and Underdog!

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I remember him, and Underdog!

I didn't even notice Underdog!

 

[Mgderf]

I didn't even notice Underdog!

Still looking for sweet Polly Purebred.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Still looking for sweet Polly Purebred.

I was trying to remember her name, but kept coming up with Nell, and that was Dudley Doright's girlfriend!

 

[Creedmoor]

Somebody must have one near me, because I get a crap-ton of little trees that come up in my flowerbeds and around the yard every year. The leaves look exactly like that, but I've never let them get big enough to bloom.

Why do you Hate Black Cherry Trees?

 

[spencer rifle]

All parts of wild black cherry trees - except the ripe fruits- contain cyanide. Don’t eat the leaves or chew on the fresh wood. Fruits are not palatable. Wood makes great musical instruments and furniture.

 

[BigRed]

View attachment 348238 This is growing on my property, but most of this tree is laying on the ground.
There are probably 4 trunks altogether at ground level and 2 are mostly upright, but at least on big limb is 30' long and on the ground.
If it's not a fruit tree I want to trim it back.
If it is a fruit tree I might reassess.
Thanks for any help

It is a wooden tree.

 

[patience0830]

It is a wooden tree.

You're just full of good news, ain'tcha?

 

[red_zr24x4]

 

[patience0830]

All parts of wild black cherry trees - except the ripe fruits- contain cyanide. Don’t eat the leaves or chew on the fresh wood. Fruits are not palatable. Wood makes great musical instruments and furniture.

The leaves, wilted, will cause sickness or death in cattle but cannot vouch for the amount of cyanide they contain.

Credit to:
Penn State Extension
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Home Cyanide Poisoning of Livestock from Cherry Tree Leaves
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Cyanide Poisoning of Livestock from Cherry Tree Leaves
Take time to examine the woodlines along your pastures. If they contain cherry trees, you risk losing livestock to cyanide poisoning.
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Updated: July 11, 2023
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Downed cherry tree in pasture. Note nearly all cherry leaves stripped from the tree by cattle. Photo credit – Del Voight, Penn State Extension
Downed cherry tree in pasture. Note nearly all cherry leaves stripped from the tree by cattle. Photo credit – Del Voight, Penn State Extension

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Yesterday, many parts of the state experienced severe weather, which included thunderstorms containing strong winds. These winds can topple cherry trees or break off limbs into pastures, which are currently being grazed by livestock. When the cherry trees blow over and the leaves become wilted, these cherry leaves may contain cyanide. If cherry trees are when reach of animals in the pasture, beware of wilted leaves, because animals will easily consume these leaves. Animals ingesting wilted cherry leaves experience the release of cyanide (HCN) into the bloodstream; this toxin is very potent. All animals can be affected by ingesting wilted cherry leaves, but ruminant animals are very susceptible to poisoning from HCN. According to Toxic Plants of North America by Burrows and Tyrl, as little as 1.2 to 4.8 pounds of wilted black cherry leaves could constitute a lethal dose for a 1,200 pound dairy cow. For a 180 pound sheep, the amount is only 0.18 to 0.72 pounds. The range in dosage is based on the HCN potential of the leaves. There are several factors that need to be considered, but in general, younger leaves have a higher HCN potential than older leaves. Based on this information, our understanding is that the greatest threat to cattle is early in the season. However, normal moisture levels followed by a dry period also tend to increase the HCN potential in cherry leaves. So this issue may repeat itself if we experience a mid-summer slump in moisture.

According to several veterinarians, once the leaves have fallen off the plant the cyanide levels will drop. However, if the leaves are connected to the plant stems, the leaf tissue can draw toxins from the branches into the leaves. They recommend cleaning the trees out as soon as possible and get as much of the dropped leaves off the ground before allowing livestock back into the pasture.

Signs of HCN toxicity in livestock can occur very quickly; within 15-20 minutes following ingestion. These may include slobbering, increased respiration, weak pulse, and convulsions. If livestock have collapsed, you may observe kicking or paddling of the legs. Mucus membranes of the animals will be bright red. Livestock will succumb to cyanide poisoning quickly, and death will be rapid.

While the current focus may be on cleaning up downed trees and branches, a long-term goal would be to remove all the cherry trees from the edges of your pastures. This University of Florida herbicide technique factsheet, outlines several different types of techniques that can be used to eliminate woody plants, including cherry trees. Based on the type of treatment you select, it also gives recommendations on specific herbicides and rates to use.

For more reading on the issue of cherry leaves and potential poisoning, read this wild cherry article by Rory Lewandowski from Ohio State University.

 

[BigRed]

You're just full of good news, ain'tcha?

You're just angry because I'm correct.