Wow, well I spoke with the landscaping company that put it in when we first moved into the house. The tree is AFRICAN SUMAC. Geez, they really go far and wide to find trees that will survive here in the desert. I have no idea if this is any kind of derivitive of willow or pepper tree but at least we have an answer. It seems REALLY hard to split/cut but that doesn't necessarily mean its any good for bow wood. Still, I'm cutting that one trunk down and as I don't like to waste wood an attempt will be made. Let you know my progress. - Mike