The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Tree, Plant and Wood I.D. => Topic started by: Jeff on August 05, 2014, 07:30:56 AM

Title: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Jeff on August 05, 2014, 07:30:56 AM
I'm excited to have swampdonkey (Bill) up here at the cabin this week. He and I have been exploring my property a bit and he has been pointing out things I had no idea was here, for example, what is in the photos below. I'm thtilled at some of the discoveries we are having. :)   Can you I.D. this find?  I have several on the property.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_20140804_105353_288.jpg) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_20140804_105404_107.jpg)
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: WDH on August 05, 2014, 07:35:03 AM
Yes  :). 
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Jeff on August 05, 2014, 07:37:39 AM
Aint that cool?  8)
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: WDH on August 05, 2014, 07:38:19 AM
Yes  ;D.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Mooseherder on August 05, 2014, 08:20:44 AM
We have some of them around the woods edge at the cabin. :)
They had worms in them last year.   :(
_ _z_ _ _ ut_!
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: isawlogs on August 05, 2014, 08:28:19 AM
Yes, and will add that those are good!!!!!
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Okrafarmer on August 05, 2014, 08:30:01 AM
I know what they are, and we had them in Maine. I know what we called them there, but I'm not sure if that's the right term.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: sprucebunny on August 05, 2014, 06:08:44 PM
I thought about this today when I was at my woodlot and what really got me going was the juvenile leaves on alder so I was thinking it was alder but the word that comes first belongs with another shrub. So...yes ! I figured it out  :)
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: WmFritz on August 05, 2014, 08:54:03 PM
OK... I don't know a weeping willow from a white birch,
so for me this puzzle is a little like one of DoctorB's limericks.  :D :D

I guess you experts are gonna sit back smuggly and wait for me to dig my tree ID books out aren't you?   ??? ???
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: thecfarm on August 05, 2014, 09:39:41 PM
WmFritz,I all ready had mine out.  :(  I put it away too. I need more hints for this Dumb Mainer to get it.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Jeff on August 05, 2014, 09:48:10 PM
It is a nut
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: thecfarm on August 05, 2014, 09:56:29 PM
I think I got it. I thought it was a native tree of Maine by the way mooseherder said it grew on the edge of his cabin.
It can be an eye color,correct?
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: sprucebunny on August 05, 2014, 10:08:55 PM
But it's a special version of this nut discribed by a word not often associated with trees/shrubs and it describes the shape of this nut-case.

Puzzles are fun  ;D
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: WDH on August 05, 2014, 10:17:52 PM
Quote from: WmFritz on August 05, 2014, 08:54:03 PM
I guess you experts are gonna sit back smuggly and wait for me to dig my tree ID books out aren't you?   ??? ???

Exactly  :D. 
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: WmFritz on August 05, 2014, 10:30:13 PM
Quote from: sprucebunny on August 05, 2014, 10:08:55 PM

Puzzles are fun  ;D

Says You!
They can drive me nuts!  taz-smiley

I solved da puzzle, but it took me 10 innings of the Tiger's game to get it done.    smiley_dunce
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Okrafarmer on August 05, 2014, 11:47:19 PM
Quote from: thecfarm on August 05, 2014, 09:56:29 PM
I think I got it. I thought it was a native tree of Maine by the way mooseherder said it grew on the edge of his cabin.
It can be an eye color,correct?

Yes, Cfarm, you have the name in mind that I know it by, since I grew up in Maine. But there is something else by that name that is more commonly known to the world, so I am waiting for the full roll-out by the dermatologists.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Okrafarmer on August 05, 2014, 11:47:46 PM
I mean dendrologists. Stupid spell-check.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Jeff on August 06, 2014, 06:31:31 AM
The husk can cause some skin irritation. :)
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Mooseherder on August 06, 2014, 06:59:18 AM
I put them in a burlap type bag and whack em on a bench before trying to removing the husks. ;)
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Chuck White on August 06, 2014, 07:19:09 AM
We have a lot of those around here, mostly along the river banks.

Don't wait until they turn brown to harvest them, or the squirrels will beat you to it!
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: WDH on August 06, 2014, 07:31:14 AM
Quote from: Okrafarmer on August 05, 2014, 11:47:19 PM
so I am waiting for the full roll-out by the dermatologists.

For a minute there, I was almost offended  :D.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Roxie on August 06, 2014, 08:24:03 AM
I only know that I have no idea. 
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: beenthere on August 06, 2014, 11:11:17 AM
May be the beaked one.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Lazy logger on August 06, 2014, 11:42:52 AM
Took me two days but I think I know  witch  one it is. Never have seen one in person.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Jeff on August 06, 2014, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: beenthere on August 06, 2014, 11:11:17 AM
May be the beaked one.

:)
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Mooseherder on August 06, 2014, 12:48:11 PM
I'll have to find a bag of commercial ones today to satisfy my craving.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Deese on August 06, 2014, 12:56:11 PM
Corylus americana
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: beenthere on August 06, 2014, 01:30:11 PM
Quote from: Deese on August 06, 2014, 12:56:11 PM
Corylus americana

How about C. cornuta ?
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: WmFritz on August 06, 2014, 01:52:05 PM
Quote from: beenthere on August 06, 2014, 01:30:11 PM
Quote from: Deese on August 06, 2014, 12:56:11 PM
Corylus americana

How about C. cornuta ?

I LOVE corn nuts!
I should've known they grew on trees. ;D
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: WmFritz on August 06, 2014, 01:57:27 PM
Quote from: WDH on August 06, 2014, 07:31:14 AM
Quote from: Okrafarmer on August 05, 2014, 11:47:19 PM
so I am waiting for the full roll-out by the dermatologists.

For a minute there, I was almost offended  :D.


You know what Danny?
At the Pig Roast, I wanted to pick your brain on your recommendation for a good skin care product that would smooth out rough bark!
I furgot all about it till jest now.  ;D
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Deese on August 06, 2014, 02:10:05 PM
Quote from: WmFritz on August 06, 2014, 01:57:27 PM
Quote from: WDH on August 06, 2014, 07:31:14 AM
Quote from: Okrafarmer on August 05, 2014, 11:47:19 PM
so I am waiting for the full roll-out by the dermatologists.

For a minute there, I was almost offended  :D.


You know what Danny?
At the Pig Roast, I wanted to pick your brain on your recommendation for a good skin care product that would smooth out rough bark!
I furgot all about it till jest now.  ;D

Morus rubra sap   smiley_idea  ;D
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Okrafarmer on August 06, 2014, 05:40:52 PM
In Maine, as thecfarm alluded to, some of us, at least, referred to them as Hazelnuts. However I don't know if these are the same thing, or related to, the commercially produced hazelnuts and filberts that grow on big trees. The plant in Jeff's picture, as depicted, and also in Maine, typically only grew as a low bush or shrub, similar in size to a blackberry bush but not thorny, and looking like a small tree, but not growing to tree size.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Mooseherder on August 06, 2014, 05:49:59 PM
It is rare but I have seen a big tree that was single stem of Hazelnuts before in Maine.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: isawlogs on August 06, 2014, 05:56:01 PM
 I have yet to see one in any of my travels, seen many ten twelve foot '' shrubs '' loaded but never a single big tree. If one can beat the squirrels or the deer to them, you're in for a snack!
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: thecfarm on August 06, 2014, 06:28:10 PM
I am pretty sure I have none on mine land. Or none that produce the fruit as pictured.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Dave Shepard on August 06, 2014, 07:45:46 PM
Quote from: Okrafarmer on August 06, 2014, 05:40:52 PM
In Maine, as thecfarm alluded to, some of us, at least, referred to them as Hazelnuts. However I don't know if these are the same thing, or related to, the commercially produced hazelnuts and filberts that grow on big trees. The plant in Jeff's picture, as depicted, and also in Maine, typically only grew as a low bush or shrub, similar in size to a blackberry bush but not thorny, and looking like a small tree, but not growing to tree size.

So you are saying they are not arborescent?
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: WDH on August 06, 2014, 09:12:55 PM
 :D
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Dave Shepard on August 06, 2014, 09:24:24 PM
You started it!  :D
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Deese on August 06, 2014, 10:20:32 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Okrafarmer on August 06, 2014, 10:25:19 PM
Quote from: Dave Shepard on August 06, 2014, 07:45:46 PM
Quote from: Okrafarmer on August 06, 2014, 05:40:52 PM
In Maine, as thecfarm alluded to, some of us, at least, referred to them as Hazelnuts. However I don't know if these are the same thing, or related to, the commercially produced hazelnuts and filberts that grow on big trees. The plant in Jeff's picture, as depicted, and also in Maine, typically only grew as a low bush or shrub, similar in size to a blackberry bush but not thorny, and looking like a small tree, but not growing to tree size.

So you are saying they are not arborescent?

I'm not sure, but I might have said they were neither arboresque nor arboreal, nor yet arborative.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Okrafarmer on August 06, 2014, 10:27:30 PM
Quote from: Mooseherder on August 06, 2014, 05:49:59 PM
It is rare but I have seen a big tree that was single stem of Hazelnuts before in Maine.

Good, at least I'm not the only one who calls them that.

So, dendrologists, what relation do these hazelnuts have with the commercially produced ones, such as the ones found in Nutella? Also, do these hazelnuts, such as the ones in Jeff's picture, have any other common names they go by?
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: mesquite buckeye on August 07, 2014, 01:03:40 AM
We have the little native ones in MO. ;D 8) 8) 8) :snowball:
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: enigmaT120 on August 14, 2014, 01:54:11 PM
I have lots of those on my place, both wild natives in my woods and about 10 growing in my yard.  I never get any, though, because the squirrels and scrub jays pick them off the tree before they're even ripe. 

They are a big commercial crop in Western Oregon, and the field men tell me that they are dropping the term "filberts" and just calling them hazelnuts like the rest of the world. 

I always get Coryllus Cornuta and Cornus Nutalii mixed up!  And I have both so it's not like I can just forget one.


Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: SwampDonkey on August 14, 2014, 07:47:49 PM
Yes there is a western beaked hazel. There is a small village in northern BC called Hazelton at the mouth of the Bulkley River where it meets the Skeena. I remember seeing hazelnuts there, the only area in my travels along the Skeena I saw them.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Jeff on September 02, 2014, 05:58:58 PM
I had to come up to meet with a web client and do some mowing. My Beaked Hazels had already been thoroughly ransacked! >:(
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 02, 2014, 06:03:08 PM
 :D :D ;D
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: WmFritz on September 02, 2014, 08:57:42 PM
Quote from: Jeff on September 02, 2014, 05:58:58 PM
I had to come up to meet with a web client and do some mowing. My Beaked Hazels had already been thoroughly ransacked! >:(

You should've borrowed my squirrel dog to protect those hazelnuts.  running-doggy
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Mooseherder on September 02, 2014, 10:09:14 PM
I did manage to get a picture of 2 in the husk.
The rest of ours were gone also.  The squirrels probably went in to harvesting as soon as we got close.  There was plenty of squirrels.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 03, 2014, 04:51:14 AM
I saw squirrel today, cross the road, with a mouthful of hazelnut(s).  :D
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Okrafarmer on September 10, 2014, 12:28:06 AM
Still nobody said whether these hazlenuts are related to the commercially grown ones. Or I missed it.
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Jeff on September 10, 2014, 12:42:16 AM
It's been decided that we can't let this information out.  :)
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Okrafarmer on September 11, 2014, 12:27:21 AM
Quote from: Jeff on September 10, 2014, 12:42:16 AM
It's been decided that we can't let this information out.  :)

Well, thanks for being so noncommittal!  :D Or maybe I should say secretive.  ;D
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Mooseherder on September 11, 2014, 06:28:00 AM
I put these in my pocket while driving by on the lawnmower.
Had I waited for another pass by they probably would have disappeared from sight.


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13635/hazelnuts.JPG)
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Jeff on September 11, 2014, 09:23:00 AM
Quote from: Okrafarmer on September 11, 2014, 12:27:21 AM
Quote from: Jeff on September 10, 2014, 12:42:16 AM
It's been decided that we can't let this information out.  :)

Well, thanks for being so noncommittal!  :D Or maybe I should say secretive.  ;D

Or, it could be, be it ever so unlikely, that I just don't know.  ;)
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Okrafarmer on September 13, 2014, 12:53:53 AM
Quote from: Jeff on September 11, 2014, 09:23:00 AM
Quote from: Okrafarmer on September 11, 2014, 12:27:21 AM
Quote from: Jeff on September 10, 2014, 12:42:16 AM
It's been decided that we can't let this information out.  :)

Well, thanks for being so noncommittal!  :D Or maybe I should say secretive.  ;D

Or, it could be, be it ever so unlikely, that I just don't know.  ;)

Whoa.  :o  Astounding!

Erm, well, maybe the Swampster knows something about it?
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 13, 2014, 05:16:03 AM
I think they taste better than filberts. But one is just a shrub that grows in a clump and the other is more tree like. I can tell ya those beaked hazel whips are hard fibre, need a sharp saw blade. I'm surprised no one has cultivated them in rows like raspberries by now. Mow between the rows. Now that I have a tractor and a bush hog on the list next year.................hmmmm. ;)
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: Clark on September 13, 2014, 05:24:01 PM
Quote from: Okrafarmer on September 10, 2014, 12:28:06 AM
Still nobody said whether these hazlenuts are related to the commercially grown ones. Or I missed it.

That's a good question and I had to do some digging to get to the bottom of it.

From what I've found, commercial hazelnuts are grown on cultivars of Corylus avellana. It's a variety native to Europe and Asia. The two vareties in N. America, C. cornuta and C. americana are not currently used for commercial production but there is research going into crosses between either of those and the European variety.

From what I saw of pictures online, it is pretty obvious why the European variety is used commercially. The husk looks to be much more delicate then either N. American variety.

I doubt that anyone has found a C. cornuta or C. americana that is of small tree size or form. That's not the nature of the plant. Now, witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is very similar but blooms in the fall and can reach 3-4" dbh, taking on "small tree" form.

Clark
Title: Re: A swampdonkey discovery
Post by: CJennings on September 13, 2014, 07:31:01 PM
C. americana can form a tiny tree about 12 feet tall or so (I guess some might still call that a shrub however). I've seen this form of it. But beaked hazel is much more common where I'm from (Vermont). I think the nuts of both are better than the commercial variety. There were almost none this year in my usual spots.