Yes, they tend to sucker.

Yes, quite a few. But in mine restricted to near the trunk at least.

i'm seeing some 18" or more away from the trunk. I may dig around them in the spring & see whether they are suckers or seedlings. if seedlings i'll move them. I plan to prune them in the next few weeks as well. anyone have any guidance in that regard. the botanical garden here have a grove of these. last year they cut them down to stumps & they are already chest high again.

rober, they're suckers -- trust me.