identification needed

[Larry Caldwell]

In article <35191F7E.CD1 at livingston.net>,
Don Staples <dstaples at livingston.net> wrote:
> TREEFARMER at webtv.net wrote:
 
> > The shapes of the balls with stems and tree shape sure sound like a
> > Sycamore. Other factors don't match well.
 
> Hmm, sycamore has a rough surface, solid sphere, where seeds are joind
> and compacted, discription was of round smooth papery sphere.
 
> Still 'tix a puzzlement.

FWIW, I think I've seen the mystery tree in the PNW, but can't remember
where.  The pods are about 2" in diameter, papery, and look like 
little miniature Japanese lanterns.

I think it might be an escaped ornamental.

-- Larry