Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Thursday - March 08, 2012
From: Los Angeles, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives, Plant Identification, Trees
Title: Identification of tree with red feathery leaves
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What is the name of a tree with dark red leaves, feathery, slim trunk; maybe in the pepper family? Jedi?ANSWER:
Our focus and expertise here at the Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center are with plants native to North America. I could find only one native California tree that sounds anything like your description. It is Rhus glabra (Smooth sumac) that has feathery green leaves that turn red in the fall. Your description, however, does sound a bit like the non-native Acer palmaturm (Japanese maple) that grows readily in California. Here are more photographs of the Japanese maple. There is the South American native, Schinus molle (Brazilian or Peruvian peppertree), that has feathery green leaves and red berries. It is on the California Invasive Plant Council's list of invasive plants. If you have photos of the tree (or can take them), there are links to several plant identification forums on our Plant Identification page that accept photos for identification.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Identification Questions
Orange and fuschia flowers on bushes in Maine
July 01, 2008 - I recently visited Portland,ME from end of May to the second week in June. many of the homes had these beautiful flowering bushes next to the houses. The flowers grew in clusters similar to hydrangeas...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification.
May 23, 2009 - Looking for the name of a green, bamboo-like plant with narrow leaves. Have no pictures.
view the full question and answer
Plant similar to a cattail
June 06, 2012 - I don't know where this plant grows normally, but I am looking for a plant that is similar to a cat tail, but the petals are not feathery, they are red and waxy and the petals are round almost. Plea...
view the full question and answer
Instructions on posting photos of plant for ID
February 29, 2008 - I need help identifying an adopted tree. How do I post the picture so I can show you? It's a odd one I've never seen.
view the full question and answer
Strange growths in flower bed in Virginia
July 07, 2008 - What in the heck are these strange growths in my flower bed?I can't even describe.
May I send you pictures?
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
