A prolific seeder, probably regenerates from wind-dispersed seed. Preferred lowland nesting species for Wood Duck. Native Americans used wood for basketmaking. Baskets can be woven from slats produced by pounding a wet block of wood until it separates along the annual growth rings. Good seed crops at 1-8 year intervals with most intervening years having poor seed crops.
Germination requires stratification and a period of cold temperatures.
Often grow more slowly than seedlings of associated species such as American Elm and Red Maple. Will also root sucker. Flowers appear in May or June, with or just before the leaves. Quite tolerant of poorly drained soils but not tolerant of severe drought.