Specimen plant for floodplain or mist settings.

The bloom period is relatively long - lasting from early spring, well into fall. Wildflower garden.

The interesting flower shape reminded early settlers of someone standing in a pulpit. Retain if present. Interesting in a moist shade garden as its flowers form a small preacher in a pulpit.

The various sources have conflicting opinions on the fruit and its uses. Specimen plant or wildlife planting for moist areas. Screen plant. Suggested by IFAS as a median planting or buffer planting for roadways.

Known for very dense wood, hence the common name.  Said to have the heaviest wood on any American tree. Specimen plant or small shade tree.