) trees are one of the easiest trees to identify in the winter. The upper branches are white since the brown bark sloughs off; Native Americans called the sycamore the "Ghost Tree". They are usually found growing near water, along river or creek banks.
The outer sapwood is distinctly different than the harder heartwood on this fallen pine.
Pine trees often decay in a standing position. The harder heartwood in the center has solidified sap which makes the wood rot more slowly. The softer outer sapwood breaks down more quickly leaving the solid heartwood core behind. The resinous heartwood is split and sold as easy burning "fatwood."
