Why blog about it?

My own relationship to Chittamwood began unexpectedly, when I worked in landscaping. Its unusual color was impossible to ignore. If (for whatever reason), you are compelled to further investigate the habits and virtues of this unusual tree, you will find misinformation to be 'the norm'. I will not attempt to provide a scientific discussion, but a personal one. If you desire an entirely-technical exposition, I recommend the Master's Thesis of S. Weber. It should be available at the library of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.