Looks like it nearly died once but pulled through and grew back. The ugly part is the remnant of the previously dead top, which is being covered by the regrowth made since.

bboy
Thank you so much for responding to my inquiry. I could use advice as I have very limited experience with trees. This is a newly purchased tree I hope to get planted soon. While the tree was not that expensive, the real estate it's going into is, and the watering & all the effort should not be wasted. I don't want to plant it if it's not going thrive. My understanding is that a plant, once seriously stressed will never reach it's true potential. Any further thoughts? I think I will post this on the trees forum too.

Take it back. Whatever it might do later, it was damaged merchandise when you bought it.

Just a follow up. I purchased this at Farmington Gardens in Beaverton & they happily let me pick out a different tree, delivered it at no charge to SE Portland, & picked up the "bad" tree.