tree ID help

[fishfinder401]

it was found in a swampy area, and has a strong smell when cut. i saw allot of them around but none larger than 2-3 across
my best guess is witch hazel but i think im wrong
http://s1135.photobucket.com/albums/m631/fishfinder401/?action=view&current=DSC01891.jpg
http://s1135.photobucket.com/albums/m631/fishfinder401/?action=view&current=DSC01891.jpg#!oZZ2QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs1135.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm631%2Ffishfinder401%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DDSC018902.jpg
thanks
noel

[Pat B]

It's not witch hazel!  Possibly spice bush(Lindera benzoin) but it is usually a shrub and not a tree. Loves swampy, wet areas and makes a good refreshing tea if it is in fact spice bush.

[fishfinder401]

is it worth trying for a bow..... well i will most likely try it anyway, but will it be worth the time
btw, the bark is relativity smooth but has allot of small raised bumps if that helps
thanks
noel

[fishfinder401]

i just looked at some pics and it seems like that is what is is, but i saw no berries
thanks
noel

[HighEagle]

It might be some kind of Beech tree... Id give it a go... Chuck

[fishfinder401]

how should i treat it, i already sealed the ends, but should i debark now, or wait a little first
btw i also got a nice piece of red maple to try
noel

[HighEagle]

Id take the bark off now allot easier now then when its dried on tight. I started debarking a Douglas maple today seasoned for two years and it is dang hard getting off. Good Luck Chuck

[fishfinder401]

i just debarked the red maple i got wit it and the bark came off nice and easy, but i tried the "spice bush" and the bark is hard and brittle. going to have to take a draw knife to it tomorrow when i have more time
thanks
noel

[Alenaswa]

The bark and leaves look like Black Gum, Nyssa sylvatica.  It likes wetland areas here in Northern IN.

[Buckeye Guy]

Alenaswa
Welcome To Pa
Whoa first post after like 2 1/2 yrs !
Guy

[Hrothgar]

I would guess northern spice bush. Although Rhode Island is still within the northern limits for black gum. If you can find out what the leaves look like in the fall this might tell you something--ie if they turn a brillant red.

[fishfinder401]

i know its not black gum, but that is very common around here, its one of the few trees i can actually identify without question
so i guess the consensus is spice bush, to bad it split from end to end, that i could have dealt with, but it also has a 360degree turn
thanks
noel

[crooketarrow]

  It's not black gum and no spice bush around here. But we do and I cut HAZZLE with bark just like that. It grows in stands really straight never gets more than 2 1/2 inchs around here. I'll go with HAZZLE. And yes it will make a bow as well as shoot arrows. The arrow you could almost shoot them as they are.