So I was surveying the yard today in preparation for the coming spring, you know, what to prune or whatever, when I discovered a tall sapling had grown up in the middle of a crepe myrtle. Well, whatever type of wood it was it needed to go. I assumed at first glance that it was some type of oak. I hatcheted at the base and then, as most of us bowyers do, tried to decide if it was firewood or could be worthy of making into a bow. I cut the ends, measured the straightest part at about 60 inches, and began stripping the bark with my trusty draw knife. Then, a few seconds later, I noticed some sort of milky substance forming around the now exposed surface. "What is this?" I wondered and began seriously questioning what kind of wood it is. Here's what info I can give you.
First, I live in Northeast Texas, so that should narrow the list down somewhat. The tree was clearly a sapling, but it was at least 12 feet tall and fairly straight up, so that rules out most bushes. My first assumption was an oak or maybe privet if that helps. It seems to be a white hardwood. Most of the trees in the yard are oaks, sweet gum, or pine. Occasionally I'll find a holly, but that's about it. The 'milk' that seeped out was a little sticky - reminded me of Elmer's school glue. I even went as far as to smell the stripped tree and it had a sweet odor, much like a cantaloupe or watermelon. No visible leaves or other 'accessories' appear around it, but that's not saying much this time of year after all the rain, wind, and other large leaves all around it.
I'm still thinking it's an oak, probably white oak or pen oak, but I'm just not sure. I've never seen one bleed sweet milk before.
Here are the pics:
