STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

For 24 years, Hubby and I have wondered what kind of tree this is. I have done some research, but very little because I really don't know where to start. And it is yet another area about which I know nothing.

I would appreciate an ID or any information that would steer me in the right direction to research an ID. The tree is probably about 40 years old.

Thanks much for looking!

About 4' of bark showing at base of tree - so maybe 45-50' tall?

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The leaves

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The bark

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Cones to be?

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GeneM Loc: Upstate PA

It looks to me like you have some kind of Yew tree. Print your pictures and take them with a sprig from the tree to a local nursery. Maybe they can help.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Does it lose its needles in the winter?

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Thanks, Gene. I'll see if I can find any yews like it through an internet search. And take the info to a nursery -- or maybe the county extension office. I am in awe of county extension agents. I have lived in four states and in each state, any question I called them with was answered immediately and follow-up information was mailed to me! Shudda thought of them before!

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Thanks for looking, MadMike.
It is evergreen. Always some dead needles on it that are real reluctant to let go. I should have also said that the cones are about the size of a marble.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

OK - there goes my idea. I thought it might have been a dawn redwood; but they are deciduous.
Now I am curious. Hopefully, somone knows what it is.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

At least you had a thought! In 24 years, we have not been able to get beyond, "Wonder what kind of tree that is."

OutBack Loc: North Central Florida

ah, it looks to be Australian- maybe oak or juniper from down there. Australian pines are strange looking too.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Cypress. They use the bark as mulch around here. This is not to be confused with swamp cypress. I have several growing in my yard and have to prune them often as they are fast growers.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Thanks for looking, OutBack. It does not have any juniper berries on it -- it has cones, very small ones.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Thanks for looking, Bob. This one is not fast growing. But, I think it is a cypress. In the searching I've done since posting it here and the directions I've taken because of the responses I've had, I THINK I FOUND IT!

I believe it is a Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), a member of the cypress family. I have found some pictures of this tree that look like they could have been made in my front yard -- from the general shape, to the leaves, and to the cones. I'm not 100% convinced, but real darn close to 100%. I will keep looking at this tree on internet and making comparisons because after all these years of wondering and the here-and-there/now-and-then browsing, I'm stunned that I finally found it.

EDIT: Bob, I checked another source, The Southern Living Garden Book I recently purchased. It says the Japanese Cedar is fast growing in youth. So, do you think your cypresses are the Japanese Cedar? This tree was probably 15-20 years old when we bought this property and the growth rate we have seen is not noticeable. Hubby and I say, "I don't think that tree has grown at all." The kids say, "YES IT HAS!!!"

UXOEOD

Not a Tree Elf myself, however, I wonder if it might be an European Larch. Mr Henry Clay, back prior to the civil war imported one, and it still grows here on Ashland Estate, here in Lexington. I will visit the grounds and compare.

Lovely tree, good luck.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Thanks for looking and responding, UXOEOD. I do see some similarities with the Larch. But, I just read that the European Larch only grows on well-drained soils and will not tolerate waterlogged ground. So, not likely that the larch could tolerate my front yard! I doubt that it would do well with the climate on the Gulf Coast, either. I'm still strongly leaning to what my research brought me after I asked all of you nice people for help: I believe it is a Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) of the cypress family.

I appreciate your time!

UXOEOD

Spent some time, a few years down Fairhope way. Was amazed with the vast variety of plants down that way. You may be correct, but any excuse to visit Ashland Estate is always welcomed.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Fairhope is a fine little town. Of course, since so many people have found that out, it's not nearly as small a town as it used to be.

Glad I could provide you with an excuse to have fun. Enjoy Ashland Estate!