You sound to me like an interested gardener! We have all been there, & I love these questions!

I do better with photos - can you post one? Also, do branches and leaves emerge opposite one another on the exact other side of the branch (like a maple) or do they alternate, going off one side and then the other (like an oak)?

Well, I'm usually awful when it comes to IDing things, I also do better with pictures, and the first plant that popped into mind, I think, usually blooms in June. All that being said, I'll take a chance - it isn't Russian Olive, is it...???

:)
Dee

It's a Mock Orange. Photo needed for the exact species.

Thanks for the replies.

The leaves are alternate. It does sort of resemble a Russian olive, but less dense, no thorns, and the tiny flowers are definitely creamy white, not yellow as I've seen in pictures.

I'll try to upload a photo this afternoon.

It sounds exactly like the numerous Russian Olive trees on my property. I don't think it is Mock Orange. You describe the flowers as "tiny" but the Mock Orange has decent sized flowers.

Is this it?

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/invasivetutorial/russian_autumn_olive.htm

(you have to copy and paste in your browser to see it)

Debra

The mystery is solved, thanks to all of you good people.

I think it is indeed a Russian Olive. It does not look exactly like the photos I've seen, because the flowers on mine are definitely white--not yellow.

However, I have a smaller version of this plant on my lane--more shrub than tree. I examined that one today and it has some thorns.

And all along Rt 95 on the way home, I smelled that same fragrance--and look there are all those invasive small grey trees.

Now I feel guilty that I'm so attached to this invasive tree. Is it a crime to keep it in my garden?

I felt less guilty when its name was "that nice smelling tree."

I guess that's the scent I have been smelling in the air lately also. Thanks!

It sounds like you have it's cousin, the Autumn Olive. It has white flowers and not yellow like the Russian Olive.

All I can say is Ugh. There is NOTHING desirable about either species. Both are highly invasive and their scent to me anyway smells like a bunch of people smoking pot next door. I HATE that sickly sweet smell. I would dig up this abomination and plant a Mock Orange in its place or any number of highly fragrant shrubs/small trees e.g. lilacs, viburnums, etc.

If you could KEEP it in your garden, it would be fine to keep it... but the reason it's all along the roads throughout Connecticut (smelling lovely, I agree!) is that it is a horrific invasive that is driving all the native flora out. Russian olive and Autumn Olive are slightly different (my guess is you're seeing autumn olive), but both are invasive and should be removed. In Connecticut, for instance, the law states ' Notwithstanding the provisions of any ordinance adopted by a municipality, no person shall [import,] move, except for eradication purposes, import, sell, purchase, transplant, cultivate or distribute any of the following invasive plants: '... and both are on the list that follows.

There are many native plants with lovely fragrances that you can substitute for it, including a native honeysuckle. Check with your extension service for recommendations... but please, for the sake of the native flora, TAKE IT OUT!

Here is a link that might be useful: Alternatives for invasives

Sad news for me.

Truth is . . . it's on a bank I had planned to terrace this year. I was trying to work around removing it, but perhaps it goes--and the terrace installation becomes a whole lot easier.

The one on my lane was destined for pulling anyway because it scratches my car if I dont steer wide of it.

Tree oracle--at a previous home, I did have people smoking pot next door. Not at all the same fragrance, or I may have not moved!

Alas, the last spring for the "nice smelling tree."

Thanks again for helping me with this.

The problem is the birds eat the berries and then poop out the seeds, so you really can't keep it at home only.

It's interesting to me how personal the appeal of individual fragrances are. I think I'll begin a new thread . . .

My view on the Autumn Olive is that until serious action is taken against it, there's no point in losing sleep over it. At this point there are acres of the tree, and your one won't bear a huge difference IMO. I have one, and it has literally never re-seeded on my property, and don't plan to rip it out terribly soon. It's berries also taste nice, and are allegedly somewhat of a superfruit, cup per cup having 17 times the lycopene of tomato.