Tree identification

[Firemaker1111]

I am in Southern Delaware, USA. This tree stands out to me in this wooded area it is not like the majority of oak and hickory growing straight up. Has a more deep brown mocha reddish brown hue to the bark and the bark has very deep ridges. It's also growing up almost looks like a spiral. Any guesses on what this tree is? Nevermind the green prickly leaves on the holly next to it

 

[Jed1124]

Black Locust

 

[djg james]

Sassafras? Break off a chunk of bark and smell it. It it smells like Root Beer it Sassafras.

 

[Del_]

Sassafras? Break off a chunk of bark and smell it. It it smells like Root Beer it Sassafras.

+1

 

[unclemoustache]

I thought cottonwood at first. Locust and sass are also possibilities. Can you cut a bit and see the inside? Any leaves?

 

[buzz sawyer]

I was thinking Cottonwood as well. Bark looks too coarse for Frassasass.

 

[old CB]

Sassafras. As pointed out above (djg James), you'll know by the aroma when you cut into it.

Makes tasty beverage, but it seemed to me I've seen something about a carcinogenic quality. Which would be a shame, given its other contributions.

 

[Del_]

Sassafras. As pointed out above (djg James), you'll know by the aroma when you cut into it.

Makes tasty beverage, but it seemed to me I've seen something about a carcinogenic quality. Which would be a shame, given its other contributions.

Stunning fall color!

 

[Bearcreek]

Definitely sassafras.

 

[dboyd351]

Sure looks like sassafras to me, too. If there are any leaves left look for a very distinctive mitten shaped leaf. They have leaves that come in 3 shapes but one is so similar to a mitten it is impossible to mistake it for anything else.

 

[buzz sawyer]

If it is Sass, here is a caution about making tea from the roots. I've made tea from the roots and had no ill effect.
At one time I had found root bark on-line that had the safrole removed.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-674/sassafras

 

[Cricket]

That was my first thought - but man that kind corkscrew bit looks like sassafras growth habit.

 

[Marine5068]

Looks like lots of Red and White Oak leaves on the ground all around it.

 

[lone wolf]

I am in Southern Delaware, USA. This tree stands out to me in this wooded area it is not like the majority of oak and hickory growing straight up. Has a more deep brown mocha reddish brown hue to the bark and the bark has very deep ridges. It's also growing up almost looks like a spiral. Any guesses on what this tree is? Nevermind the green prickly leaves on the holly next to itView attachment 951781View attachment 951782View attachment 951783View attachment 951784View attachment 951785View attachment 951786

Looks like Sassafras.

 

[Firemaker1111]

Sliced into the bark. Very potent root beer scent. It must be a very healthy tree cause the thing glows and here and catches the eye. Thank you all

 

[djg james]

Good fire starter wood, but it pops alot.

 

[SawmillMan]

I am in Southern Delaware, USA. This tree stands out to me in this wooded area it is not like the majority of oak and hickory growing straight up. Has a more deep brown mocha reddish brown hue to the bark and the bark has very deep ridges. It's also growing up almost looks like a spiral. Any guesses on what this tree is? Nevermind the green prickly leaves on the holly next to itView attachment 951781View attachment 951782View attachment 951783View attachment 951784View attachment 951785View attachment 951786

Sassafras, it as a very fragrant smell.

 

[lone wolf]

Sassafras? Break off a chunk of bark and smell it. It it smells like Root Beer it Sassafras.

That was my first impression.

 

[Woodcutteranon]

This was a toughie...

I'm not sure about sassafras. I have some in my wood shed now and the bark has more color to it than the pic. This tree looks dead but I still don't see any 3 lobed leaves under it. I too thought locust bc how prominent and twisty the main stem is but I'm not sure about that either.

My conclusion is it's a Tulip tree. I would expect there to be many more HUGE-broad leaves on the ground to be conclusive but I do see a few when I zoom in and wear my glasses. Another thing to bring me to Tulip is pic 3. The limb resembles ash bark and Tulips are known to have similar traits to ash. The main trunk's ridges are much flatter than an ash. Sure looks like tulip. But... my wife would tell you I'm probably wrong. My biggest issue is how twisty it is. Tulips grow very straight but hard, clay ground can give trees some twist. When i saw the jalopy in the last shot I thought maybe the ground was an old junk yard, pretty packed earth etc. I would like to see some leaves

 

[Patrick1903]

This was a toughie...

I'm not sure about sassafras. I have some in my wood shed now and the bark has more color to it than the pic. This tree looks dead but I still don't see any 3 lobed leaves under it. I too thought locust bc how prominent and twisty the main stem is but I'm not sure about that either.

My conclusion is it's a Tulip tree. I would expect there to be many more HUGE-broad leaves on the ground to be conclusive but I do see a few when I zoom in and wear my glasses. Another thing to bring me to Tulip is pic 3. The limb resembles ash bark and Tulips are known to have similar traits to ash. The main trunk's ridges are much flatter than an ash. Sure looks like tulip. But... my wife would tell you I'm probably wrong. My biggest issue is how twisty it is. Tulips grow very straight but hard, clay ground can give trees some twist. When i saw the jalopy in the last shot I thought maybe the ground was an old junk yard, pretty packed earth etc. I would like to see some leaves

A few posts back the OP confirmed it was sassafras based on the smell.