At 164 feet, a specimen of this tree growing in Belmont County is the largest single tree presently known in Ohio. The tree grows in deep, rich, and moist soil, and commonly is found in bottomlands. Its widespread distribution in Ohio is limited by drier portions of the west-central and northwestern parts of the state. The wood is soft and weak, but is very easily worked, and has many uses. Early settlers used the wood extensively in building, and made home remedies from the inner bark of the roots.
Bees make honey from the blossoms, and various wildlife eat the fruit and twigs.