This is a tree that might interest baseball fans as it is the one that provides the wood for baseball bats. But it has other qualities that recommend it. It does well in difficult areas such as poorly drained soils where other trees will not grow and it grows quickly into a mature tree. The gray bark is attractive with its evenly formed furrows in a diamond pattern, and its leaves add yellow tints to the autumn display of foliage.
Type: Deciduous tree.
Outstanding Feature: Autumn foliage yellow with red or purple overlay.
Form: Oval when young; upright branching and spreading, becoming rounded with time.
Growth Rate: Vigorous.
Bloom: Insignificant.
Size: 50-80’ H x 40-60’ W.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Thrives in moist, deep, fertile soil but quite adaptable and tolerates poorly-drained soils.
Hardiness: Zones 3-9a.
Pests and Diseases: Mycoplasma, borers, and mites can be a problem.
Propagation: Seed; bud grafts.
Comments: Use male plants to avoid unwanted seedlings. Excellent shade tree for parks and campuses.
Karen Meyers