One of the many species known by the common name of ironwood is Ostrya virginiana, also known as American hophornbeam. I just cut one down that seemed to be dying but not dead yet. Sap came up out of the stump immediately and also dripped out of the cut. It appears the tree was seriously pecked by small woodpeckers or sapsuckers. I've heard this wood burns very hot and has plenty of btus. I smelled a piece and it smelled sweet to me and I know they are one of the birch species that can be tapped for syrup, so I thought it would be interesting to smoke some meats with it. Has anyone smoked with it and what kinds of meats would you recommend?