I'm trying to identify a tree based on its description, as I can't get a good picture of it. The tree has hickory-like leaves that are large and oblong with a dark green color. It features one single, large flower that's a vibrant neon red, surrounded by the leaves almost in a circular fashion. The tree grows quite tall, around 60 feet or so, and is found in the southeastern US, particularly in Zone 7. Any ideas on what this tree could be?
3 Answers
Could it be a crepe myrtle? They are also popular in your area and come in various colors including reds. Just checking since you mentioned a large, red flower; they can have that too!
What about the bark? If it's grey and rigid, that could be a clue. Do you notice if it's smooth or more textured? Sometimes the bark can help figure out the species!
The bark is grey and pretty rigid, but there's no lichen on it that I could see.
It sounds like you might be looking at a Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia). This tree is known for its dramatic neon red-orange flowers and has fern-like leaves that can resemble hickory leaves. It typically grows to about 60 feet tall and does well in the southeastern US, especially in Zone 7. Can you let me know if the leaves really are compound or just large and fern-like? That could help narrow it down!
I don't think it's a Royal Poinciana. The leaves are shaped like a hickory tree's but they're not compound, they surround the flower in a circle.
Nah, it’s definitely not a crepe myrtle. This tree has one single large red flower, while the leaves encircle it.