Nick Maclaren wrote:

> |> Photos are the best, but would these 4 help identify it at all?
> |> http://www.declan.tv/gardening_misadventures/what_tree_is_this.html
> If those leaves are single (i.e. not made up of multiple leaflets),
> it is NOT a paeony.

Could it be a Magnolia, like 'Susan'?