Can someone ID this tree?

[Don Armstrong]

I have this tree laying on the ground. I'm not sure if it would make a good bow or not. Can someone ID this tree. Thanks, Don

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I think it's a Black Gum and I have no idea if it will make good bow wood or not? I'd just try some of it and see how it works.

Here's a link to Black Gum and it's fairly common to Virginia.

http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=60

[PEARL DRUMS]

If its not willow it will make a bow!

[Dan Landis]

I'll second the black gum, also known as black tupelo.  Never tried it as a bow wood, but know that it is very hard to split.  The TBB lists it as .51 SG so it should work for a lower poundage bow....Dan

[Don Stokes]

Black gum or Tupelo, yep. If it was on high ground it's black gum, if from a swamp it's Tupelo. These species have interlocked grain, so it may not need backing.

[KellyG]

I know one way you can find out if it will make a bow.  

[Don Armstrong]

Should I strip the bark like a hickory and seal the ends or leave it on? I will cut and split it tomorrow, as I have some locust, to work on also. The tree was on the top of a hill so it's black gum I guess. Thanks, Don

[Don Stokes]

Bugs love bark.

[beetlebailey1977]

Tupelo black gum.