This species is also susceptible to anthracnose of the leaves and terminal shoots, canker of the branches, and powdery mildew. The wood is weak, often allowing rotting fungus to infect the tree through wounds from broken branches. Comstock mealybug, aphids, Japanese beetles, leafhoppers and walnut scale may also be problematic. The wood is whitish, soft and brittle and not naturally durable. It is close-grained, easy to work and is often used in Europe for food containers, kitchen utensils, artificial limbs, toys and small turned articles.
Squirrels feed on the seeds and deer browse the foliage.
This species was once over-planted in the eastern states because of its showy flowers. An ideal specimen for large, open areas, this species is used for landscaping in parks, campuses and golf-courses. The large size, weak branches and messy fruit, however, make this tree an undesirable choice for the small yard.