HEIGHT up to 65 ft (20 m)
TYPE Deciduous
OCCURRENCE S. and C. United States
Often used as a hedge plant outside its native habitat, this tree was cultivated extensively by American Indians for its roots and durable wood, which was used for making weapons and a yellow dye. It has a short trunk and an irregular to rounded crown. BARK Orange-brown, scaly ridges with irregular furrows, with milky sap. LEAF Alternate, ovate to oblonglanceolate, smooth surface, glossy dark green above, turning yellow in fall. FLOWER Males and females on separate trees, both small and inconspicuous; males: in short, terminal racemes; females: in flower heads. FRUIT Cluster of green to orange syncarps.
