What's happening here?

[Backwoods Savage]

 

[thewoodlands]

What type of tree is that?

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I know what it is zap but thought I'd tease a bit and see if others might also know.

 

[Thistle]

Guessing its some kind of Ash with various cluster burls on upper stems,bark looks an awful lot like Bur Oak too however.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Not ash for sure Thistle. I was sure you'd get this one right away.

 

[Thistle]

Black Walnut? Damn I really do need to update my bifocal prescription then lol

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Oh what the heck. This is a young sassafras.

 

[Thistle]

LOL never even seen any except in books,southern Iowa is supposed to be in its range but I've never seen any that I recall.I was almost ready to raise my hand & shout "COTTONWOOD!"

 

[Backwoods Savage]

There is not a lot of it around this area but we are blessed with some. I do love cutting it even though it is not a top notch firewood but when cutting it, the smell it gives is super! Love it.

So, what is your best guess about what is happening to this tree?

 

[BobUrban]

Dennis I love that stuff and chew the leaf stems or small twigs while bowhunting. Only tree in Michigan that has 3 different leaf patterns on the same tree and it tastes just like it smells. Never burned any but I am thinking it would smell good in a camp fire

regarding the growths?? Likely some type of burl but the cause is a mystery to me? Might be cool to wax the ends on a larger burl and let it dry for a few years and turn it on a lathe

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Then perhaps I should cut this bugger down. Bob, I fully agree with you about the tree. I still have not tried making some tea from the roots though.

 

[BobUrban]

I have made tea from small green twigs and leaf stems and it is delicious. I think the roots must have a higher concentration of the same stuff you get from the twigs but have no clue because I have never gotten any roots. Or it is just a wives tail that you need the roots for tea. Put enough fresh leaf stems in a little pot while camping and you will have a nice minty/wintergreenesk tea. Especially if you twist and crush them a little bit to open cells. Fun tree - kids are always facinated when you teach them they can chew the leaves and they actually taste good

try that with oak and your tongue will curl up from the bitterness

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Bob, that is what we do with wintergreen but haven't tried it with sassafras. I will try that next summer for sure.

 

[Ralphie Boy]

Looks like a teenager with zits.

 

[ScotO]

I used to make sassafras tea all the time, til I found out that safrole (the oil that is in sassafras) is claimed to be a carcinogen.......
Now, I'm no scientist, but I've done a lot of research on the 'net and that's what I've been seeing there, too.

I would think in moderation, you probably wouldn't be affected.......but I've chosen to stay away from it altogether. I do like to crumple up a handful of green leaves off of the tree when I'm in the woods and smell that lemony scent.....very fragrant tree...

 

[Mr A]

View attachment 88105 View attachment 88106 View attachment 88107

Is that a pussywillow?

 

[weatherguy]

Do you know whats happening Dennis and gonna keep us hanging?

 

[PapaDave]

Got some Sass from an Amish place in Hillsdale many moons ago, Dennis.
Still have it, actually. Just a few boards, but it smelled great going through the planer.
Still don't know what to do with it but I had to have it.

ETA: I don't have a clue what's happening here. I just came for the popcorn.

 

[Ehouse]

Got some Sass from an Amish place in Hillsdale many moons ago, Dennis.
Still have it, actually. Just a few boards, but it smelled great going through the planer.
Still don't know what to do with it but I had to have it.

ETA: I don't have a clue what's happening here. I just came for the popcorn.
View attachment 88222

Papa, Sassafrass is listed as a primo boat building wood. Make yourself a guide boat or fishing skiff! I've made cold summer tea from the roots and it's delicious but gave it up because of the carcinogen thing.

Ehouse

 

[tfdchief]

I would guess the growths are the result of some kind of insect gall or maybe a fungus.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Is that a pussywillow?

That would be a giant one.

 

[jatoxico]

Is that a pussywillow?

That came out of the blue .

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Do you know whats happening Dennis and gonna keep us hanging?

No clue unless some bug. That is why I posted it here. I'll probably cut it down so hopefully nothing will spread.

 

[wishlist]

Never seen anything like that Dennis. Did you goggle " nasty infected zit sassafras tree"?

 

[Backwoods Savage]

No, I haven't googled it at all. Might give it a try though.