Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Identifying Characteristics

Size/Form:	Can reach 30' to 43' in height with an uneven crown. Often seen as a large thicket of tangled, arching branches sprouting from multiple stems.
Leaves:	Leaves are pinnately compound and alternate reaching 5" to 8" in length. Composed of 3 to 11 (usually 7to 9) leaflets, 1" to 2" long, with a terminal leaflet. Leaflets are elliptical and oblong. The upper surface is dark green with a paler underside. Toothed margin. Leaves are aromatic when crushed, smelling peppery or like turpentine. Winged midrib.
Bark:	Smooth, gray-brown bark which exude dark sap when cut.
Flowers:	Small white flowers in panicles with 1.5 mm petals.
Fruit:	Small, bright red spherical drupe. Often in clusters. Fruit is produced year round.
Similar Trees on the Florida 4-H Forest Ecology Contest List: Black locust has seven to nine leaflets. Black walnut has 15 to 23 leaflets. The end leaflet is sometimes lacking. Honeylocust has 14 to 20 leaflets. Mockernut hickory has five to nine leaflets. Pecan has nine to 17 leaflets. Pignut hickory has five or seven leaflets.