I Don't Have a Clue. Need Expert!

8 years ago

I can't figure out what to make of this plant/weed/tree/bush or whatever it is. Pardon my lack of knowledge. Would love some expert opinions on identifying this "thing", and recommendations whether to keep, cut, or any other advice. Came up out of nowhere in the middle of some fairly newly laid Bermuda sod a few feet away from several Crepe Myrtles in the Dallas, TX area.

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Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Ailanthus altissima, aka tree of heaven. A registered invasive species in many areas of the country, including TX.
lennox sinclaire (8a) thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
lennox sinclaire (8a)
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for your input! Any thoughts on it potentially being Peonies? I see some similarities in these photos of peonies below, and the thing in my own yard.
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
8 years ago
It is 100 % not peonies. Gardengal's id is correct.
lennox sinclaire (8a) thanked floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Nope. Peony foliage is very distinct in appearance from that of Ailanthus and looks nothing like the plant in the first photos. And the ailanthus grows much, much faster than any peony!! It would also be extremely unusual to have a peony plant pop up spontaneously in newly laid sod........not at all for the ailanthus :-)
lennox sinclaire (8a) thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
lennox sinclaire (8a)
Original Author
8 years ago
Understood. I appreciate your knowledge! I suppose it's time to get the bulldozer out..