Strange trees on Horsetail Ridge

[kepPNW]

Ran across a little grove of these really odd trees on the way up Horsetail Ridge a couple days ago...

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The leaves (waxy, much like rhododendron) made us want to say Madrone, but the bark sure didn't! They ranged up to 40' (or more) in height, trunks up to 8-10" in diameter. This is the best picture I managed. Any thoughts?

[retired jerry]

that's what I was thinking, Madrone. Seems like they're more in drier climates.

[BigBear]

There are some of these trees on the Polallie Trail near Tamanawas Falls (on the way to Blue Grass Ridge) as well.

[kepPNW]

The leaves sure looked like Madrone, but the bark was really rough.

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  Full-res trunk/leaves.

[Lurch]

Laurel? The bark doesn't look quite right though.. Did it smell kinda like coughdrops?

There are a few species of Madrone that don't peel, but I don't believe any of them are native to Oregon

[kepPNW]

Laurel? The bark doesn't look quite right though.. Did it smell kinda like coughdrops?

Interesting thought! I always think of them taking on more of a bush-like form, not trees. But googling "laurel tree" definitely turns up some similar looking photos. Even that same bark pattern (albeit on a photo from Australia!). Maybe that's it..., thanks!

Edit 1: I don't think any of us commented on, or perhaps even though to partake of, the smell of these guys. Eucalyptus is pretty strong, though, probably would've caught that in the air, as we hung out at this overlook for 5-10 minutes at least.

Edit 2: http://oregonstate.edu/trees/broadleaf_ ... aurel.html

[bobcat]

Looks like cherry-laurel or English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). This is a common hedge in the Portland area, but needs massive pruning. It is invasive in places like Forest Park and some sections of the Gorge. I'm thinking this grove was established when the natural cover was depleted, maybe the first part of the 20th century.

It is not California laurel (in Oregon often known as myrtle wood); that doesn't survive up here.

[llamero]

Chinkapin, perhaps.

[kepPNW]

Chinkapin, perhaps.

Was wondering about that, too!

[payslee]

Yes, they were chinquapin (I took a bunch of close up photos which I haven't gotten off my camera yet). Way bigger than I've seen before, and not in a place I expected, but my Trees Of Oregon reference says both are well within its range.

-payslee