What type of tree is this?

Question

It stands about 40 to 60 feet tall, has light gray bark and about a 12 inch to 16 inch in diameter trunk. It has perfects spheres that are light green, like balls or capsules or fruits. They are about a centimeter in diameter. It has cordate leaves that are from 8 inches to 12 inches long. I measured one leaf with a ruler at 10 inches and it was not the largest nor the smallest leaf. They have a long pointed tip, almost heart shaped leaves. It is growing in Northern Virginia and its on a city street, not all out in the woods. I think it may be a Paulownia tree, but not sure. The leaves are simple toothed leaves, not compound. It has a split trunk, two trunks. There's another tree nearby that looks like the same species but it has red twigs and this one has green twigs. Same species though.

It's funny. I had originally identified the tree as an American Basswood but then discarded the idea because the leaves were too small in favor of a Paulownia. But after seeing that link I believe it is a Bigleaf Basswood. I'm still open to new suggestions ofcourse.

I meant to say Bigleaf Linden not Bigleaf Basswod. Also, the top of the leaf is green but underside of leaf or back of leaf is very pale.

Answer 1

Sounds to me like an American Basswood also known as american linden.. http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/handbook/th-3-123.pdf#search='American%20linden'

http://www.domtar.com/arbre/english/p_till.htm

or European Linden
http://people.brandeis.edu/~orlove/field_bio/pages/european_linden.html

Hope this helps a little!!

Answer 2

Going by the light green balls, I'd say you have a Gingko tree. There are several where I work. Does the fruit have a bad odor when crushed? Then you definitely have a gingko tree, although I don't recall any being split.

Answer 3

Paulownia fruits are not perfect spheres (see link) but your tree does sound a bit like it otherwise.