Cobalt, my home is in rural South Arkansas. Our main industry in this rather depressed area of the state.... Is timber. I am blessed with a wide variety of differing woods. This Crepe Myrtle is a decorative flowering "tree". I guess you could call it a tree. We plant it along streets and driveways as a flowering plant. It will bloom in clusters for most of our summer months. Don't be so green with envy.... My dream trip is to visit the British Isles.... All of them.
I've got access to 110 acres of family owned timber land, and access to more land through several good friends. Come over and visit and I'll take you out and let you cut as much as the plane will let you carry back!
And btw, you do some great carvings and make some very nice sticks!