And a very tough wood, even rather thin pieces of it. Old-timers used to  
make fence posts from it, as it lasts practically forever. I have a very thin 
 old hiking stick of it that is very strong, even though it is not thick at 
all.  It bends without breaking. Another odd thing about it is that it 
turns yellow  and loses its leaves very early in the season, probably one of the 
earliest  trees to turn. Even now, one along our entrance road is beginning 
to  yellow.  

Rick Sussman
Woodbine,MD
 
 
In a message dated 7/1/2009 6:24:55 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
 writes:

A very  valuable tree from a utilitarian perspective, as its wildlife 
habitat value is  very high both alive and dead (as a snag).  They are short 
lived, only ~  100 years, but last as a snag for a very long  time.



**************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the 
grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000005)