One of the largest eastern hardwoods with a massice trunk and stout brances, averaging 100 ft. tall. One of fastest growing, but short- lived, native trees.

BUDS: Gummy yellow end buds; side buds hug twig.

TWIGS: Boxy and ridged; stout; yellowish.

BARK: Yellowish-green and smooth; over time, becomes light gray, rough, and furrowed.

HABITAT: Rich soils; pioneer species on new sandbars and bare floodplains; grows especially well in Mississippi Valley.

RANGE: Widespread: Throughout Quebec and Ontario to the base of the Rocky Mountains; south to Florida; west to W. Texas.

USES: Lumber is commercially used for making boxes, furniture, matches and pupwood. It is often planted as a shade tree.