Idk. Can't seem to find much on the internet that matches but i also don't know what to call that part. Is that considered the bud?
It appears only certain trees get them. Looking thru some pictures its kinda hard to id cause they're still connected to the tree. Not sure how much they change color before they fall off. At this time, my best guess is between these two.
No idear on that. The Hornbeams have them right now but it doesn’t look like a Carpinus catkin. Oaks are dropping them right now but they don’t have the pubescence of the one in your pic.
I’m thinking either bigtooth or quaking Aspen. Could be white poplar too, which is related and will actually hybridize with bigtooth and quaking.
You be using words i gotta look up. Funny thing is of the 2 i listed there's not a one in the yard up here by the house. Last year the whole back patio was covered. Most trees on this lot are 100ft+ so they could've come from a ways away. Good thing my neighbors can't see me. I'm walking around the yard looking at tops of trees with a scope cause i don't have binos. I'm gonna have to keep an on wind direction for a little while and maybe more will show up on the patio soon. Tho then they won't be in the tree.
Found it! It's in that group in the last pic. Here's a couple better ones. It's the tree on the left.
Cool! This is the kind of thing every time I am in my woods. Trying to identify trees! Their life cycle is interesting. I wish I could hire someone to walk my trails and I ask over and over, "What's this one?"