[Rayne Selene]

I really just want to know what can possibly survive in my backyard! Four of these have sprung up, I thought they were weeds at first, but now they look like trees! My backyard is mostly dead, just yucky sandy dirt; not very fertile. I live in New Mexico, so it's hot and dry. Anyone have any ideas?

[gayleggg]

I'm not a plant expert but it reminds of the hackberries we have here in Texas. I'm that there are more plant people in the forums.

[Fresia]

I would take these pictures in as you have done here to a local gardening store or a tree expert to get their opinion to be sure what it might be, and how to proceed.

We have always had when there are 6-12 evenly paired leaves with one at the end growing out, branched as these are, as being a type of sumac tree; some being regular, harmless trees, but others are poisonous and should not be touched without gloves, long sleeves and pants on (completely being covered) and with using tools to cut back or out. There are also sumac root killers so they don't come back. So proceed with caution before trying to remove them if considering it. Please be sure to identify it first. If it does turn out to be poison sumac, and you decide to remove it yourself, which is easy to do, just be sure the clothes, gloves, and tools should be treated afterward with something like Tecnu (available at pharmacies) to strip the oils off of them.

Hopefully it is a regular sumac, they can be really pretty in the fall, or perhaps something even more harmless.

[Perna]

Yes, I'd take a branch to a nursery: Plants and Trees for New Mexico Landscapes | The Hilltop

[gma45]

That almost looks like a pecan tree to me, they grow good in NM. One of the local nurseries would know for sure. I would love to have a pecan tree in my yard.

[sarahblue]

You might also have luck talking to your local extension service, which almost every state university has.

[UndeadMage]

Earth. Oh, wait, plant. No idea, lol