I doubt it. I agree with your observation. It seems like Howard used to mention them more often than he does now. But that may not be true because I don't listen to the radio show as much as I used to. I believe shantung is recommended in at least one of Howard's books. Regardless, the shantung is still a great tree. I've had mine for three years and my biggest complaints so far is the soft bark is very suceptible to damage, especially from rodents chewing on it. And the leaves, although always beautiful every autumn, drop from the tree very quickly. So autumn color doesn't last long. Otherwise, a very "clean' tree that looks great in my yard. I've had extensive rodent damage, and the shantung is so hardy, it hasn't slowed down much at all. It has been growing 1 to 2 foot per year for me.
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