Hi David, As a NYC-dweller, I have to admit that when you've spoken about the environmental conditions in which various herbs grow, what is important to look for, etc, my mind has not been so tuned in, hence my question. A patient of mine who lives in NJ (suburb outside of Newark) mentioned to me a while back that she has a mimosa tree in her backyard, and I mentioned to her some of its medicinal properties (which actually seemed like they might help both her and her partner). She emailed to let me know the tree died, but was not diseased, and she is offering me the bark of the tree. I am a bit clueless as to whether this would be of use. Firstly, I don't know the condition of the soil, so that's the one thing I know to look for. But what do you think? Thanks so much.

You need the living bark, that is then dried. Unfortunately If the tree died the bark would not be useful , nor would it be easy to remove from the tree.

Ahh, okay - thank you David!