GENUS 57. PTEROSTYRAX.

Similar to Styrax, but with the fruit in panicles, 5-winged, conical, and crowned with the persistent base of the style.



Pterostyrax corymbosum, Sieb. Leaves deciduous, 2 to 5 in. long, feather-veined, petioled, ovate, rarely cordate at base, sharply serrate, with stellate hairs. Shrub or small tree, 10 to 12 ft. high, cultivated from Japan; with ashy-gray bark, and white flowers turning yellowish or purplish with age; blooming in May, fruit ripe in August. Not perfectly hardy in Massachusetts.

GENUS 58. HALESIA.

Small trees or shrubs with alternate, simple, deciduous, serrate leaves. Flowers large, 1 in. long, conspicuous, white, hanging, bell-shaped, monopetalous, 4-lobed; blooming in spring. Fruit with a single, rough, elongated, bony nut surrounded by a 2- to 4-winged coat; ripe in autumn.

Wood light-colored, very hard and fine-grained.



1. Halesia diptera, L. (TWO-WINGED SILVERBELL TREE.) Leaves large (4 to 5 in. long), ovate, acute, serrate, softly pubescent. Fruit with 2 conspicuous, broad wings, sometimes with 2 intermediate narrow ridges. A small tree or a large shrub, wild in the south, and cultivated as far north as New York City.



2. Halesia tetraptera, L. (FOUR-WINGED SILVERBELL TREE.) Leaves smaller (2 to 4 in.), oblong-ovate, finely serrate. Fruit smaller, with 4 nearly equal wings. A small, beautiful tree, 10 to 30 ft. high, more hardy than Halesia diptera, and therefore cultivated occasionally throughout. Wild in Virginia and south.

GENUS 59. SYMPLOCOS.

Shrubs or small trees, with leaves furnishing a yellow dye.



Symplocos tinctoria, L'Her. (HORSE-SUGAR. SWEETLEAF.) Leaves simple, alternate, thick, 3 to 5 in. long, elongate-oblong, acuminate, nearly entire, almost persistent, pale beneath, with minute pubescence, sweet-tasting. Flowers 6 to 14, in close-bracted, axillary clusters, 5-parted, sweet-scented, yellow; in early spring. Fruit a dry drupe, ovoid, 1/2 in. long. A shrub or small tree, 10 to 20 ft. high. Delaware and south.

ORDER XXIX. OLEACEAE. (OLIVE FAMILY.)

An order of trees and shrubs, mainly of temperate regions.

GENUS 60. FRAXINUS.

Trees with petioled, opposite, odd-pinnate leaves (one cultivated variety has simple leaves). Flowers often inconspicuous, in large panicles before the leaves in spring. Fruit single-winged at one end (samara or key-fruit), in large clusters; ripe in autumn. Some trees, owing to the flowers being staminate, produce no fruit. Wood light-colored, tough, very distinctly marked by the annual layers. The leaves appear late in the spring, and fall early in the autumn.

* Flowers with white corolla; a cultivated small tree 8.

* Flowers with no corolla. (A.)

A. Leaves pinnate; leaflets petiolate; calyx small, persistent on the fruit. (B.)

B. Fruit broad-winged, 3/4 in. wide. South 5.

B. Wings much narrower. (C. )

C. Branchlets round and pubescent 2.

C. Branchlets round and smooth. (D.)

D. Leaflets nearly entire 1.

D. Leaflets serrate near tip, entire below 3.

C. Branchlets, on vigorous growths, square 4.

A. Leaves pinnate; leaflets sessile; no calyx. (E.)

E. Native; wing of fruit rounded at tip 6.

E. Cultivated from Europe; wing notched at tip 7.

A. Leaves simple; variety under 7.



1. Fraxinus Americana, L. (WHITE ASH.) Leaflets 7 to 9 (usually 7), stalked, ovate or lance-oblong, pointed, shining above, pale and either smooth or pubescent beneath, somewhat toothed or entire. Flowers almost always dioecious (May), thus the fruit is found on but a portion of the trees. The fruit (August to September) terete and marginless below, abruptly dilated into the wing, which is 2 to 3 times as long as the terete portion; entire fruit about 1 1/2 in. long. A common large forest-tree, 60 to 80 ft. high, with gray, furrowed bark, smooth, grayish-green branchlets, and rusty-colored buds. Extensively cultivated.



2. Fraxinus pubescens, Lam. (RED ASH.) Like the White Ash, but to be distinguished from it by the down on the young, green or olive-green twigs, and on the footstalks and lower surface of the leaves. Fruit acute, 2-edged at base, gradually dilated into the wings as in Fraxinus viridis. A smaller and more slender tree than the White Ash; growing in about the same localities, but rare west of the Alleghanies; heart-wood darker-colored.



3. Fraxinus viridis, Michx. f. (GREEN ASH.) Smooth throughout; leaflets 5 to 9, bright green on both sides, ovate or oblong-lanceolate, often wedge-shaped at base and serrate above. Fruit acute and 2-edged or margined at base and gradually spreading into an oblanceolate or linear-spatulate wing as in the Red Ash. Small to middle-sized trees (like the Red Ash), found throughout, but common westward.



4. Fraxinus quadrangulata, Michx. (BLUE ASH.) Leaflets 7 to 9, short-stalked, oblong-ovate or lanceolate, pointed, sharply serrate, green on both sides. Fruit narrowly oblong, blunt, of the same width at both ends, or slightly narrowed at the base. A large tree, 60 to 80 ft. high, with smooth square twigs on the vigorous growths. Wisconsin to Ohio and Kentucky.



5. Fraxinus platycarpa, Michx. (WATER-ASH.) Leaflets 5 to 7, 3 to 5 in. long, ovate or oblong, acute at both ends, short-stalked, slightly serrate. Branchlets terete, smooth to pubescent. Fruit broadly winged, 3/4 in. wide, often 3-winged, tapering to the base. A medium-sized tree in deep river-swamps, Virginia and south.



6. Fraxinus sambucifolia, Lam. (BLACK ASH.) Leaflets 7 to 11, sessile, oblong-lanceolate, tapering to a point, serrate, obtuse or rounded at base, green and smooth on both sides; when young, with some rusty hairs along the midrib. Fruit without calyx at base and with wing all around the seed-bearing part, blunt at both ends. A slender tree, 40 to 70 ft. high, with dark-blue or black buds.



7. Fraxinus excelsior, L. (EUROPEAN ASH.) Leaflets 11 to 13 (in some cultivated varieties reduced to 1 to 5), almost sessile, lanceolate-oblong, acuminate, serrate, wedge-shaped at base. Flowers naked, somewhat dioecious, and so the fruit does not form on all the trees. Keys linear-oblong, obtuse, obliquely notched at apex. This species in its very numerous varieties is common in cultivation. One of the most interesting is the Weeping Ash (var. pendula). The most remarkable is the one with simple, from pinnatifid to entire leaves (var. monophylla).



8. Fraxinus ornus. (FLOWERING ASH.) Leaflets 7 to 9, lanceolate or elliptical, attenuated, serrated, entire at the stalked bases, villous or downy beneath. Flowers fringe-like, white, in large terminal drooping clusters, of 4 or 2 petals. May to June. Fruit small, lance-linear, obtuse, attenuate at each end. A small tree, 15 to 30 ft. high, planted in parks. Not hardy north of New York City without some protection.

GENUS 61. OSMANTHUS.

Shrub or small tree with opposite, thick, evergreen, nearly entire leaves. Flowers small, white, in panicles or corymbs in late spring. Fruit a spherical drupe, 1/2 in. long, with a 2-seeded stone; hanging on during the winter.



Osmanthus Americana, L. (DEVIL-WOOD.) Leaves thick, evergreen, oblong-lanceolate, entire, acute, narrowed to a petiole, 4 to 5 in. long. Flowers dioecious, very small. May. Fruit globular, about 1/2 in. in diameter, violet-purplish; ripe in autumn, and remaining on the tree through the winter. A small tree, 15 to 20 ft. high, from southern Virginia southward, in moist woods.

GENUS 62. SYRINGA.

Leaves simple, entire, opposite; flowers ornamental, in large, dense clusters. The Lilacs are all beautiful, but form mere shrubs, except the following:



Syringa Japonica. (JAPAN LILAC. GIANT TREE LILAC.) Leaves deciduous, opposite, oval to cordate, thick, dark green, glossy; flowers white, 4-parted, odorless, in very large, dense, erect, terminal clusters, blooming in summer; fruit dry 2-celled pods with 2 to 4 seeds. A magnificent small tree, 20 to 30 ft. high; from Japan; probably hardy throughout.

GENUS 63. CHIONANTHUS.

Low trees or shrubs with simple, deciduous, opposite, entire, thick, smooth, petioled leaves. Flowers 4-parted, with long, slender, delicate white lobes, drooping in clusters from the lower side of the branches and forming a fringe; in early summer. Fruit a purple drupe.



Chionanthus Virginica, L. (FRINGE-TREE). Leaves smooth, thickish, large (3 to 6 in. long), oval or obovate, entire. The leaves are occasionally somewhat alternate and thin; they resemble those of the Magnolia. Drupe ovoid, 3/4 in. long, covered with a bloom. A beautiful small tree or shrub, 8 to 30 ft. high, wild along streams, southern Pennsylvania and southward, and generally cultivated north for its delicate fringe-like flowers. Hardy.

A variety (var. angustifolia) with long, narrow leaves is occasionally cultivated.

ORDER XXX. SCROPHULARIACEAE.

(FIGWORT FAMILY.)

A large order of plants, almost entirely herbaceous; found in all climates; it includes one cultivated tree in this region.

GENUS 64. PAULOWNIA.

Tree with opposite (sometimes in whorls of three), large, deciduous, palmately veined, heart-shaped leaves. Leaf-stem often hollow; minute cup-shaped glands, separated from one another, situated on many portions of the leaf, but quite abundant on the upper side at the branching of the veins. Flowers large, in immense panicles; in spring, before the leaves expand. Fruit a dry, ovate, pointed capsule, 1 1/2 in. long, with innumerable flat-winged seeds; hanging on the tree throughout the winter.



Paulownia imperialis, (IMPERIAL PAULOWNIA.) Leaves 7 to 14 in. long, sometimes somewhat lobed, usually very hairy beneath; 2 buds, almost hidden under the bark, above each other in the axil. Flowers purple, nearly 2 in. long, with a peculiar, thick, leather-like calyx. A broad flat-headed tree, of rapid growth when young. Cultivated; from Japan; and hardy throughout, but the flower-buds are winter-killed quite frequently north of New York City.

ORDER XXXI. BIGNONIACEAE.

(BIGNONIA FAMILY.)

An order of woody plants abundant in South America; here including one genus of trees:

GENUS 65. CATALPA.

Trees or shrubs with large, simple, opposite (or whorled in threes), heart-shaped, pointed leaves. Flowers irregular, showy, in large panicles; blooming in June. Fruit long pods with many, winged seeds, hanging on till spring. Branches coarse and stiff. Wood light and close-grained.

* Flowers bright-spotted; wings of seeds narrowed 1.

* Flowers nearly pure white; wings of seeds broad 2.



1. Catalpa bignonioides, Walt. (INDIAN BEAN. SOUTHERN CATALPA.) The large heart-shaped leaf has connected scaly glands in the axils of the large veins on the lower side; usually entire though sometimes angulated, generally opposite though sometimes in whorls of threes, very downy beneath when young, 6 to 12 in. long. Flowers much spotted with yellow and purple, and with the lower lobe entire. Pod thin, 10 in. or more in length. A medium-sized, wide-spreading tree, 20 to 40 ft. high, of rapid growth, with soft, light wood and thin bark; wild in the Southern States, and extensively cultivated as far north as Albany.



2. Catalpa speciosa, Warder. (INDIAN BEAN. WESTERN CATALPA.) Leaves large (5 to 12 in. long), heart-shaped, long-pointed. Flowers 2 in. long, nearly white, faintly spotted, the lower lobes somewhat notched. Pod thick. A large, tall tree, 40 to 60 ft. high, with thick bark; wild in low, rich woodlands, southern Indiana, south and west.



Catalpa Kaempferi and Catalpa Bungei are dwarf forms from Japan, the latter growing to the height of from 4 to 8 ft., and the former rarely reaching the height of 18 ft. The leaf of C. Kaempferi is figured. It is more apt to have its margin angulated, though all the species occasionally have angulated leaves.

ORDER XXXII. VERBENACEAE.

Herbs, shrubs, rarely small trees, with opposite leaves, irregular flowers and dry 2- to 4-celled fruits.

GENUS 66. CLERODENDRON.

Shrubby trees or climbing shrubs with opposite or whorled, usually entire leaves; flowers with an almost regular, 5-parted corolla surrounded by a bell-shaped calyx; fruit drupe-like, with 4 seeds.



Clerodendron trichotomum, Thunb. (FATE-TREE.) Leaves opposite, long-petioled, cordate, thin, entire, glandular-dotted above, very veiny; lower leaves largest and three-lobed, the upper ovate, long-pointed, all 3-ribbed. Flowers in large, terminal clusters; fruit with juicy pulp covering the 4 seeds. A small tree from Japan; hardy at Washington and south. The figure represents one of the upper leaves.

GENUS 67. VITEX.

Shrubs or low trees with opposite, usually palmate leaves, panicled clusters of flowers and drupe-like fruit.



Vitex Agnus-castus, L. (CHASTE-TREE.) Leaves long-petioled, palmate, with 5 to 7 lanceolate, acute, nearly entire leaflets, whitened beneath; with an aromatic though unpleasant odor. Branches obtusely 4-sided, hairy; flowers pale lilac, in interrupted panicles, agreeably sweet-scented in late summer. Shrub or small tree, 5 to 10 ft. high, cultivated from southern Europe; hardy at Washington and south. If cultivated further north, it needs protection, at least when young.

ORDER XXXIII. LAURACEAE. (LAUREL FAMILY.)

An order of aromatic trees and shrubs, chiefly tropical.

GENUS 68. PERSEA.

Aromatic, evergreen trees with alternate, entire, feather-veined leaves. Flowers small, in small close panicles. Fruit small (1/2 in.) 1-seeded drupes.



Persea Carolinensis, Nees. (RED BAY.) Leaves 2 to 5 in. long, oblong, entire, covered with a fine down when young, soon smooth above. Flowers silky, in small rounded clusters on short stems. May. Fruit an ovate, pointed, 1-seeded, deep-blue drupe, 1/2 in. long, on a red stalk; ripe in autumn. Usually a small tree, 15 to 70 ft. high, wild in swamps, Delaware, Virginia, and south. Wood reddish, beautiful, hard, strong, durable.

GENUS 69. SASSAFRAS.

Aromatic trees or shrubs with alternate, simple, deciduous, often lobed leaves. Juice of bark and leaves mucilaginous. Flowers yellowish-green, in clusters; blooming in early spring. Fruit a small bluish drupe on a thick reddish stem. Ripe in September. Twigs greenish-yellow.



Sassafras officinale, Nees. (SASSAFRAS.) Leaves very variable in form, ovate, entire, or some of them 2- to 3-lobed, soon smooth. Flowering as the leaves are putting forth. Tree 15 to 100 ft. high, common in rich woods. The aromatic fragrance is strongest in the bark of the roots. Wood reddish, rather hard and durable.

GENUS 70. LINDERA.

Shrubs with deciduous, alternate, aromatic leaves and small, yellow flowers in close clusters along the branches. Fruit a drupe on a not-thickened stalk.



Lindera Benzoin, Blume. (SPICE-BUSH. BENJAMIN-BUSH.) Leaves alternate, oblong-ovate, entire, pale beneath, very spicy in odor and taste; twigs green; leaf-buds scaly; drupes red, ripe in autumn. Flowers 4 to 5 together in sessile umbels; in early spring, before the leaves expand. Common in damp woods throughout.

ORDER XXXIV. ELAEAGNACEAE.

(OLEASTER FAMILY.)

A small order of shrubs or small trees, with the leaves covered with silvery scurf.

GENUS 71. ELAEAGNUS.

Leaves alternate, entire; flowers axillary, stemmed; fruit drupe-like with an 8-grooved stone.



Elaeagnus longipes. (SILVER-LEAVED ELAEAGNUS.) Leaves almost evergreen, rather thick, ovate-oblong, rather blunt, entire, smooth and dark green above, but silvery below. Flowers inconspicuous. Fruit about 1/2 in. long, bright red, with silvery scales, very abundant and beautiful; ripe in July; juicy and edible, with a pungent flavor. Shrub from Japan; hardy throughout.

GENUS 72. SHEPHERDIA.

Small trees or shrubs with opposite, deciduous, entire, silvery-scaled leaves. Flowers very small, dioecious. Fruit small, berry-like, translucent, 1-seeded.



Shepherdia argentea, Nutt. (BUFFALO-BERRY. RABBIT-BERRY.) Leaves opposite, oblong-ovate, tapering at base, silvery on both sides, with small peltate scales. Branches often ending in sharp thorns. Fruit, scarlet berries the size of currants, forming continuous clusters on every branch and twig, but found only on the pistillate plants. They are juicy, somewhat sour, pleasant-tasting, and make excellent jelly; ripe in September. A small handsome tree, 5 to 20 ft. high, wild in the Rocky Mountains, and sometimes cultivated east. Its thorny-tipped branches make it a good hedge-plant. Hardy.

ORDER XXXV. EUPHORBIACEAE.

(SPURGE FAMILY.)

A large order of mainly herbaceous and shrubby plants of warm countries, with usually milky juice.

GENUS 73. BUXUS.

Shrubs or trees with opposite, evergreen, entire leaves and small flowers. The fruit 3-celled, 6-seeded pods.



Buxus sempervirens, L. (BOXWOOD.) Leaves ovate, smooth, dark green; leaf-stems hairy at edge. This plant is a native of Europe, and in its tree form furnishes the white wood used for wood-engraving.

Var. subfruticosa (dwarf boxwood) grows only a foot or two high, and is extensively used for edgings in gardens. The tree form is more rare in cultivation, and is of slow growth, but forms a round-topped tree.

ORDER XXXVI. URTICACEAE. (NETTLE FAMILY.)

A large order of herbs, shrubs and trees, mainly tropical.

GENUS 74. ULMUS.

Tall umbrella-shaped trees with watery juice and alternate, 2-ranked, simple, deciduous, obliquely ovate to obliquely heart-shaped, strongly straight-veined, serrate leaves, harsh to the touch, often rough. Flowers insignificant, appearing before the leaves. Fruit a flattened, round-winged samara; ripe in the spring and dropping early from the trees. Bark rough with longitudinal ridges.

* Leaves very rough on the upper side. (A.)

A. Leaves 4 to 8 in. long; buds rusty-downy; inner bark very mucilaginous 1.

A. Leaves smaller; buds not downy; cultivated. (B.)

B. Wide-spreading tree; twigs drooping; fruit slightly notched 2.

B. Tree rather pyramidal; twigs not usually drooping; fruit deeply notched 3.

* Leaves not very rough on the upper side. (C.)

C. Buds and branchlets pubescent; twigs often with corky ridges 4.

C. Buds and branchlets free from hairs, or very nearly so. (D.)

D. Twigs with corky wings 5.

D. Twigs often with corky ridges; cultivated 2, 3.

D. Branchlets never corky 6.



1. Ulmus fulva, Michx. (SLIPPERY OR RED ELM.) Leaves large, 4 to 8 in., very rough above, ovate-oblong, taper-pointed, doubly serrate, soft-downy beneath; branchlets downy; inner bark very mucilaginous; leaves sweet-scented in drying; buds in spring soft and downy with rusty hairs. Fruit with a shallow notch in the wing not nearly reaching the rounded nut. A medium-sized tree, 45 to 60 ft. high, with tough and very durable reddish wood; wild in rich soils throughout.



2. Ulmus montana, Bauh. (SCOTCH OR WITCH ELM.) Leaves broad, obovate, abruptly pointed and doubly serrated. Fruit rounded, with a slightly notched wing, naked. Branches drooping at their extremity, their bark smooth and even. A medium-sized tree, 50 to 60 ft. high, with spreading or often drooping branches; extensively cultivated under a dozen different names, among the most peculiar being the White-margined (var. alba marginata), the Crisped-leaved (var. crispa), and the Weeping (var. pendula) Elms.



3. Ulmus campestris, L. (ENGLISH OR FIELD ELM.) Leaves much smaller and of a darker color than the American Elm, obovate-oblong, abruptly sharp-pointed, doubly serrated, rough. Fruit smooth, with the wing deeply notched. A tall and beautiful cultivated tree, with the branches growing out from the trunk more abruptly than those of the American Elm, and thus forming a more pyramidal tree. A score of named varieties are in cultivation in this country, some with very corky bark, others with curled leaves, and still others with weeping branches.



4. Ulmus racemosa, Thomas. (CORK OR ROCK ELM.) Leaves 2 to 4 in. long, obovate-oblong, abruptly pointed, often doubly serrated, with very straight veins; twigs and bud-scales downy-ciliate; branches often with corky ridges. Fruit large (1/2 in. or more long), with a deep notch; hairy. A large tree with fine-grained, heavy and very tough wood. Southwest Vermont, west and south, southwestward to Missouri, on river-banks.



5. Ulmus alata, Michx. (WAHOO OR WINGED ELM.) Leaves small, 1 to 2 in. long, ovate-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, acute, thickish, downy beneath and nearly smooth above, sharply serrate. Bud-scales and branchlets nearly smooth. Notch in the wing of the fruit deep. A small tree, 30 to 40 ft. high, the branches having corky wings. Wild, Virginia, west and south; rarely cultivated.



6. Ulmus Americana, L. (AMERICAN OR WHITE ELM.) Leaves 2 to 4 in. long, obovate-oblong or oval, abruptly sharp-pointed, sharply and often doubly serrated, soft-pubescent beneath when young, soon quite smooth; buds and branchlets smooth. Fruit 1/2 in. long, its sharp points incurved and closing the deep notch; hairy only on the edges. A large ornamental tree, usually with spreading branches and drooping branchlets, forming a very wide-spreading top. Wild throughout in rich, moist soil; common in cultivation.

GENUS 75. PLANERA.

Trees or tall shrubs with alternate, simple, pointed, 2-ranked, feather-veined, toothed leaves. Flowers inconspicuous, with the leaves in spring. Fruit a small, nut-like, scaly, globular drupe, ripe in autumn. Bark scaling off like that of the Sycamore.



1. Planera aquatica, Gmel. (AMERICAN PLANER-TREE.) Leaves ovate-oblong, small, 1 to 1 1/2 in. long, on short stems, sharp-pointed, serrate with equal teeth, smooth, green above and gray below, not oblique at base. Flowers minute, in small heads, appearing before the leaves. Fruit a scaly, roughened nut, 1/4 in., raised on a stalk in the calyx; ripe in September. A small tree, 20 to 50 ft. high; wet banks, Kentucky and southward; hardy as far north as Philadelphia.



2. Planera acuminata. (KIAKA ELM OR JAPAN PLANER-TREE.) Leaves large, glossy, smooth, deeply notched, on red stems; young shoots also red. This is a larger, more hardy, and finer tree than the American Planer-tree, and should be more extensively cultivated.

The Caucasian Planer-tree (Planera parvifolia), with very small leaves, is also occasionally cultivated.

GENUS 76. CELTIS.

Trees or shrubs with alternate, simple, 2-ranked, oblique, serrate leaves. Flowers inconspicuous, greenish, axillary. Fruit berry-like, sweet, edible drupes, about the size of a currant, with one seed; color dark; ripe in autumn.

* Leaves usually sharply serrate 1.

* Leaves almost entire 2.



1. Celtis occidentalis, L. (SUGARBERRY. HACKBERRY.) Leaves ovate, obliquely subcordate to truncate at base, long-acuminate, serrate (at least near the apex), rough above and hairy beneath. Fruit a single-seeded, 1/4 in., globular drupe, solitary on a peduncle, 1 in. long, in the axils of the leaves; purple when ripe in autumn.

Shrub (var. pumila) to large tree, 6 to 50 ft. high; throughout; rare north, abundant south. Sometimes cultivated. The branches are numerous, slender, horizontal, giving the tree a wide-spreading, dense top.



2. Celtis Mississippiensis, Bosc. Leaves almost entire, with a very long, tapering point, a rounded and mostly oblique base, thin and smooth. Fruit smaller than that of the preceding species. A small tree with rough, warty bark. Illinois and southward.

GENUS 77. MACLURA.

Trees or shrubs with milky juice and simple, alternate, entire, deciduous leaves, generally having a sharp spine by the side of the bud in the axils. Flowers inconspicuous; in summer. Fruit large, globular, orange-like in appearance.



Maclura aurantiaca, Nutt. (OSAGE ORANGE. BOW-WOOD.) Leaves rather thick, ovate to ovate-oblong, almost entire, smooth and shining above, strong-veined and paler beneath, 4 in. long by 2 in. wide; spines simple, about 1 in. long. Fruit as large as an orange, golden-yellow when ripe. A medium-sized tree, 20 to 50 ft. high; native west of the Mississippi. Extensively cultivated for hedges, and also for ornament, throughout.

GENUS 78. MORUS.

Trees with milky juice and alternate, deciduous, exstipulate, broad, heart-shaped, usually rough leaves. Flowers inconspicuous; in spring. Fruit blackberry-like in shape and size; in summer.

* Leaves rough; fruit dark-colored 1.

* Leaves smooth and shining; fruit white to black 2.



1. Morus rubra, L. (RED MULBERRY.) Leaves broad, heart-shaped, 4 to 6 in. long, serrate, rough above and downy beneath, pointed; on the young shoots irregularly lobed. Fruit dark red, almost purple when ripe, cylindrical; not found on all the trees, as the flowers are somewhat dioecious; ripe in July. Wood yellow, heavy and durable. Usually a small tree, 15 to 60 ft. high; wild throughout, also cultivated.



2. Morus alba, L. (WHITE MULBERRY.) Leaves obliquely heart-ovate, pointed, serrate, smooth and shining; lobed on the younger growths; 2 to 7 in. long. Fruit whitish, oval to oblong; ripe in July. A small tree from China, planted for feeding silkworms, but now naturalized throughout.

Var. multicaulis has large leaves, and is considered better for silkworm food than the usual form. It is not very hardy, as it is frequently winter-killed in the latitude of New York City.

Var. Downingii (Downing's everbearing Mulberry) has large leaves and very large, dark red or black fruit, of excellent flavor, which does not ripen all at once as most Mulberries do.

GENUS 79. BROUSSONETIA.

Trees with milky juice and alternate, deciduous, stipulate, broad, very hairy leaves. Flowers dioecious. Fruit (only on a portion of the plants) similar to the common Mulberry.



Broussonetia papyrifera, L. (PAPER-MULBERRY.) Leaves ovate to heart-shaped, variously lobed, deeply so on the young suckers, serrate, very rough above and quite soft-downy beneath; leaves on the old trees almost without lobes; bark tough and fibrous. Flowers in catkins, greenish; in spring. Fruit club-shaped, dark scarlet, sweet and insipid; ripe in August. Small cultivated tree, 10 to 35 ft. high, hardy north to New York; remarkable for the great variety in the forms of its leaves on the young trees.

ORDER XXXVII. PLATANACEAE.

(PLANE-TREE FAMILY.)

A very small order, containing but one genus:

GENUS 80. PLATANUS.

Trees with alternate, simple, large, palmately lobed leaves. The base of the petiole is hollowed to cover the bud. Flowers inconspicuous; in early spring. Fruit a large, dry ball, hanging on a long peduncle, and remaining on the tree through the winter. Large tree with white bark separating into thin, brittle plates.



1. Platanus occidentalis, L. (AMERICAN SYCAMORE. BUTTONWOOD.) Leaves large (6 to 10 in. broad), roundish heart-shaped, angularly sinuate-lobed, the short lobes sharp-pointed, scurfy-downy till old. Fruit globular, solitary, 1 in. in diameter, hanging on long, 4-in. peduncles; remaining on the tree through the winter. A large, well-known tree, 80 to 100 ft. high; found on river-banks throughout; also cultivated. Wood brownish, coarse-grained; it cannot be split, and is very difficult to smooth. The marking of the grain on the quartered lumber is very beautiful.



2. Platanus orientalis, L. (ORIENTAL PLANE.) Leaves more deeply cut, smaller, and sooner smooth than those of the American Sycamore. Fruit frequently clustered on the peduncles. This tree is similar to the American Sycamore, and in many ways better for cultivation.

ORDER XXXVIII. JUGLANDACEAE.

(WALNUT FAMILY.)

A small order of useful nut-and timber-trees.

GENUS 81. JUGLANS.

Trees with alternate, odd-pinnate leaves, of 5 to 17 leaflets, with 2 to 4 axillary buds, the uppermost the largest. Flowers inconspicuous, the sterile ones in catkins. May. Fruit a large, bony, edible nut surrounded by a husk that has no regular dehiscence. The nut, as in the genus Carya, has a bony partition between the halves of the kernel.

* Leaflets 13 to 17, strongly serrate; husk of the fruit not separating from the very rough, bony nut; native. (A.)

A. Upper axillary bud cylindrical, whitish with hairs; nut elongated 1.

A. Upper axillary bud ovate, pointed; nut globular 2.

* Leaflets 5 to 9; husk of the fruit separating when dry from the smoothish, thin-shelled nut; cultivated 3.



1. Juglans cinerea, L. (BUTTERNUT. WHITE WALNUT.) Leaflets 11 to 17, lanceolate, rounded at base, serrate with shallow teeth; downy, especially beneath; leafstalk sticky or gummy. Buds oblong, white-to-mentose. Fruit oblong, clammy, pointed. A thick-shelled nut, deeply sculptured and rough with ragged ridges; ripe in September. A widely spreading, flat-topped tree, 30 to 70 ft. high, with gray bark and much lighter-colored wood than that of the Juglans nigra.



2. Juglans nigra, L. (BLACK WALNUT.) Leaflets 13 to 21, lanceolate-ovate, taper-pointed, somewhat heart-shaped and oblique at base, smooth above and very slightly downy beneath. Fruit globular, roughly dotted; the thick-shelled nut very rough; ripe in October. A large handsome tree, 50 to 120 ft. high, with brown bark; more common west than east of the Alleghanies; often planted. Wood dark purplish-brown.



3. Juglans regia, L. (MADEIRA NUT. ENGLISH WALNUT.) Leaflets 5 to 9, oval, smooth, obscurely serrate. Fruit oval, with a thin-shelled oval nut not nearly so rough as that of Juglans cinerea, or of Juglans nigra. When ripe the husk becomes very brittle and breaks open to let out the nut. Tree intermediate in size, 40 to 60 ft. high, hardy as far north as Boston in the East, but needs protection at St. Louis. It should be more extensively cultivated. Introduced from Persia.

GENUS 82. CARYA.

Hard-wooded trees with alternate, odd-pinnate leaves having straight-veined leaflets. The leaflets are opposite each other, and the terminal pair and end leaflet are usually much the largest. The sterile flowers are in hanging catkins, the fertile ones minute, forming a large, rounded, green-coated, dry drupe, with a roughened nut having a bony partition. The drupes hang on till frost, when they open more or less and usually allow the nut to drop out. Wood hard and tough.

* Bark shaggy and scaly; kernel very good. (A.)

A. Leaflets usually 5 (5 to 7) 1.

A. Leaflets 7 to 9 2.

* Bark rough, deeply furrowed but not shaggy; kernel edible. (B.)

B. Leaflets 7 to 9, usually 7 3.

B. Leaflets 5 to 7, usually 5 4.

* Bark smooth; kernel bitter. (C.)

C. Leaflets 5 to 7, usually 7, smooth 5.

C. Leaflets 7 to 11, serrate with deep teeth 6.

* Bark smooth; nut thin-shelled; kernel sweet; leaflets 13 to 15 7.



1. Carya alba, Nutt. (SHELLBARK OR SHAGBARK HICKORY.) Leaflets 5, the lower pair much smaller, all oblong-lanceolate, taper-pointed, finely serrate, downy beneath when young. Fruit globular, depressed at the top, splitting readily into 4 wholly separate valves. Nut white, sweet, compressed, 4-angled. Husk quite thin for the Hickories. Tree 70 to 90 ft. high, with very shaggy bark, even on quite small trees. Wild throughout, and cultivated.



2. Carya sulcata, Nutt. (BIG SHELLBARK. KINGNUT.) Leaflets 7 to 9, obovate-acuminate, sharply serrate, the odd one attenuate at base and nearly sessile; downy beneath (more so than Carya alba). Fruit large, oval, 4-ribbed above the middle, with 4 intervening depressions. Husk very thick, entirely separating into 4 valves. Nut large, 1 1/4 to 2 in. long, dull-whitish, thick-shelled, usually strongly pointed at both ends. Kernel sweet and good. Tree 60 to 90 ft. high, with a shaggy bark of loose, narrow strips on large trees. Quite common west of the Alleghanies.



3. Carya tomentosa, Nutt. (MOCKERNUT. WHITE-HEART HICKORY.) Leaflets 7 to 9 (mostly 7), lance-obovate, pointed, obscurely serrate or almost entire, the lower surface as well as the twigs and the catkins tomentose when young. Fruit globular or ovoid, usually with a very hard, thick husk slightly united at base. Nut somewhat hexagonal, with a very thick shell and well-flavored kernel. A tall, slender tree, 60 to 100 ft. high, with a rough deeply furrowed, but not shaggy bark. Common on dry hillsides throughout.



4. Carya microcarpa, Nutt. (SMALL MOCKERNUT.) Leaflets about 5 (5 to 7), oblong-lanceolate, long-pointed, finely serrate, smooth, glandular beneath; buds small, ovate. Fruit small, subglobose, with a thin husk; nut not sharply angled, with a thin shell; edible. A large tree, 70 to 90 ft. high; New York, Pennsylvania, and westward.



5. Carya porcina, Nutt. (PIGNUT. BROOM-HICKORY.) Leaflets 5 to 7 (usually 7), oblong-ovate, acuminate, serrate, smooth. Fruit pear-shaped to oval, somewhat rough, splitting regularly only about half-way. Nut large (1 1/2 to 2 in. long), brownish, somewhat obcordate, with a thick, hard shell, and poor, bitter kernel. Tall tree, 70 to 80 ft. high, with dark-colored heart-wood, and rather smooth bark. Common on ridges.



6. Carya amara, Nutt. (BITTERNUT. SWAMP-HICKORY.) Leaflets 7 to 11, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, serrate with deep teeth. Fruit roundish-ovate, regularly separable only half-way, but friable at maturity. Nut small, white, subglobose, with a very thin shell and an extremely bitter kernel. Large tree with orange-yellow winter buds, and firm, not scaly, bark. Wild throughout, and sometimes cultivated.



7. Carya olivaeformis, Nutt. (PECAN-NUT.) Leaflets 13 to 15, ovate-lanceolate, serrate; lateral ones nearly sessile and decidedly curved. Fruit oblong, widest above the middle, with 4 distinct valves. Nut oblong, 1 1/4 in., nearer smooth than the other edible Hickory-nuts, the shell thin, but rather too hard to be broken by the fingers. The kernel is full, sweet, and good. A tall tree, 80 to 90 ft. high. Indiana and south; also cultivated, but not very successfully, as far north as New York City.

ORDER XXXIX. CUPULIFERAE. (OAK FAMILY.)

This order contains more species of trees and shrubs in temperate regions than any other, except the Coniferae. The genus Quercus (Oak) alone contains about 20 species of trees in the region covered by this work.

GENUS 83. BETULA.

Trees or shrubs with simple, alternate, mostly straight-veined, thin, usually serrate leaves. Flowers in catkins, opening in early spring, in most cases before the leaves. Fruit a leafy-scaled catkin or cone, hanging on till autumn. Twigs usually slender, the bark peeling off in thin, tough layers, and having peculiar horizontal marks. Many species have aromatic leaves and twigs.

* Trunks with chalky white bark. (A.)

A. Native. (B.)

B. Small tree with leafstalks about 1/2 as long as the blades 1.

B. Large tree; leafstalks about 1/3 as long as the blades 2.

A. Cultivated; from Europe; many varieties 3.

* Bark not chalky white, usually dark. (C.)

C. Leaves and bark very aromatic. (D.)

D. Bark of trunk yellowish and splitting into filmy layers 5.

D. Bark not splitting into filmy layers 4.

C. Leaves not very aromatic; bark brownish and loose and shaggy on the main trunk; growing in or near the water 6.



1. Betula populifolia, Ait. (AMERICAN WHITE OR GRAY BIRCH.) Leaves triangular, very taper-pointed, and usually truncate or nearly so at the broad base, irregularly twice-serrate; both sides smooth and shining, when young glutinous with resinous glands; leafstalks half as long as the blades and slender, so as to make the leaves tremulous, like those of the Aspen. Fruit brown, cylindrical, more or less pendulous on slender peduncles. A small (15 to 30 ft. high), slender tree with an ascending rather than an erect trunk. Bark chalky or grayish white, with triangular dusky spaces below the branches; recent shoots brown, closely covered with round dots.



2. Betula papyrifera, Marsh. (PAPER OR CANOE BIRCH.) Leaves 2 to 4 in. long, ovate, taper-pointed, heart-shaped, abrupt or sometimes wedge-shaped at the base, sharply and doubly serrate, smooth and green above, roughly reticulated, glandular-dotted and slightly hairy beneath; footstalk not over 1/3 the length of the blade. Fruit long-stalked and drooping. A large tree, 60 to 75 ft. high, with white bark splitting freely into very thin, tough layers. A variety, 5 to 10 ft. high (var. minor), occurs only in the White Mountains. Young shoots reddish or purplish olive-green deepening to a dark copper bronze. New England and westward, also cultivated.



3. Betula alba, L. (EUROPEAN WHITE BIRCH.) Leaves ovate, acute, somewhat deltoid, unequally serrate, often deeply cut, nearly smooth; in var. pubescens covered with white hairs. Fruit brown, cylindric, drooping. A tree, 30 to 60 ft. high, with a chalky-white bark; from Europe, extensively cultivated in this country, under many names, which indicate the character of growth or foliage; among them may be mentioned pendula (weeping), laciniata (cut-leaved), fastigiata (pyramidal), atropurpurea (purple-leaved), and pubescens (hairy-leaved).



4. Betula lenta, L. (SWEET, BLACK OR CHERRY BIRCH.) Leaves and bark very sweet, aromatic. Leaves ovate or ovate-oblong, with more or less heart-shaped base, very acute apex, and doubly and finely serrate margin, bright shining green above, smooth beneath, except the veins, which are hairy. Fruit 1 to 1 1/4 in. long, cylindric, with spreading lobes to the scales. A rather large tree, 50 to 70 ft. high, with bark of trunk and twigs in appearance much like that of the garden Cherry, and not splitting into as thin layers as most of the Birches. Wood rose-colored, fine-grained. Moist woods, rather common throughout; also cultivated.



5. Betula lutea, Michx. f. (YELLOW OR GRAY BIRCH.) A species so like the preceding (Betula lenta) as to be best described by stating the differences. Leaves and bark are much less aromatic. Leaves 3 to 5 in. long, not so often nor so plainly heart-shaped at base, usually narrowed; less bright green above, and more downy beneath; more coarsely serrate. Fruit not so long, and more ovate, with much larger and thinner scales, the lobes hardly spreading. A large tree, 50 to 90 ft. high, with yellowish or silvery-gray bark peeling off into very thin, filmy layers from the trunk. Wood whiter, and not so useful. Rich, moist woodlands, especially northward; also cultivated.



6. Betula nigra, L. (RIVER OR RED BIRCH.) Leaves 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 in. long, rhombic-ovate, acute at both ends, distinctly doubly serrate, bright green above; glaucous beneath when young; on petioles only 1/6 their length. Twigs brown to cinnamon-color, and downy when young. A medium-sized tree, 30 to 50 ft. high, usually growing on the edges of streams, the old trunks having a very shaggy, loose, torn, reddish-brown bark. Wild in Massachusetts, south and west; often cultivated.

GENUS 84. ALNUS.

Shrubs or small trees with deciduous, alternate, simple, straight-veined leaves with large stipules that remain most of the season. Flowers in catkins. Fruit a small, scaly, open, woody cone, remaining on the plant throughout the year.

* Native species; growing in wet places. (A.)

A. Leaves rounded at base; whitened beneath; found north of 41 deg. N. Lat 1.

A. Leaves acute or tapering at base; southward. (B.)

B. Flowering in the spring 2.

B. Flowering in the autumn 3.

* Cultivated species; from Europe; will grow in dry places 4, 5.



1. Alnus incana, Willd. (SPECKLED OR HOARY ALDER.) Leaves 3 to 5 in. long, broadly oval or ovate, rounded at base, sharply serrate, often coarsely toothed, whitened and mostly downy beneath; stipules lanceolate and soon falling. Fruit orbicular or nearly so. A shrub or small tree, 8 to 20 ft. high, with the bark of the trunk a polished reddish green; common along water-courses north of 41 deg. N. Lat.; sometimes cultivated.



2. Alnus serrulata, Willd. (SMOOTH ALDER.) Leaves 2 to 4 1/2 in. long, thickish, obovate, acute at base, sharply and finely serrate, green both sides, smooth or often downy beneath; stipules yellowish green, oval, and falling after 2 or 3 leaves have expanded above them. Fruit ovate. Rather a shrub than a tree, 6 to 12 ft. high, common along streams south of 41 deg. N. Lat. In the Southern States it sometimes forms a tree 30 ft. high.



3. Alnus maritima, Muhl. (SEASIDE ALDER.) Smooth; leaves oblong-ovate to obovate, with a tapering base, sharply serrulate; petiole slender; color bright green, somewhat rusty beneath. Flowering in the autumn. Fruiting catkin large, 3/4 to 1 in. long, 1/2 in. thick, usually solitary, ovoid to oblong. A small tree, 15 to 25 ft. high. Southern Delaware and eastern Maryland, near the coast.



4. Alnus glutinosa, L. (EUROPEAN ALDER.) Leaves roundish, wedge-shaped, wavy-serrated, usually abrupt at tip, glutinous; sharply and deeply incised in some varieties. Fruit oval, 1/2 in. long. A medium-sized tree, 25 to 60 ft. high, of rapid growth, often cultivated under several names; the most important being vars. laciniata (cut-leaved), quercifolia (oak-leaved), and rubrinervis (red-leaved).



5. Alnus cordifolia, Ten. (HEART-LEAVED ALDER.) Leaves heart-shaped, dark green and shining. Flowers greenish-brown, blooming in March and April, before the leaves expand. A large and very handsome Alder, 15 to 20 ft. high, growing in much dryer soil than the American species. Cultivated from southern Europe. Hardy after it gets a good start, but often winter-killed when young.

GENUS 85. CORYLUS.

Low trees and large shrubs with simple, alternate, deciduous, doubly serrate, straight-veined leaves. Flowers insignificant, in catkins in early spring. Fruit an ovoid-oblong bony nut, inclosed in a thickish involucre of two leaves with a lacerated frilled border; ripe in autumn.

* Leafy bracts of fruit forming a bottle-shaped involucre 2.

* Leafy bracts not bottle-shaped. (A.)

A. Involucre much longer than the nut 1.

A. Involucre but little longer than the nut 3.



1. Corylus Americana, Walt. (WILD HAZELNUT.) Leaves roundish heart-shaped, pointed, doubly serrate; stipules broad at base, acute, and sometimes cut-toothed; twigs and shoots often hairy. Involucre of the fruit open to the globose nut, the two leaf-like bracts very much cut-toothed at the margin and thick and leathery at the base. Merely a shrub, 5 to 6 ft. high; quite common throughout.



2. Corylus rostrata, Ait. (BEAKED HAZELNUT.) Leaves but little or not at all heart-shaped; stipules linear-lanceolate. The involucre, extending beyond the nut in a bract like a bottle, is covered with stiff, short hairs. Shrub, 4 to 5 ft. high. Wild in the same region as Corylus Americana, but not so abundant.



3. Corylus Avellana, L. (EUROPEAN HAZEL. FILBERT.) Leaves roundish-cordate, pointed, doubly serrate, nearly sessile, with ovate-oblong, obtuse stipules; shoots bristly. Involucre of the fruit not much larger than the large nut (1 in.), and deeply cleft. A small tree or shrub, 6 to 12 ft. high, from Europe; several varieties in cultivation.

GENUS 86. OSTRYA.

Slender trees with very hard wood, brownish, furrowed bark, and deciduous, alternate, simple, exstipulate, straight-veined leaves. Flowers inconspicuous, in catkins. Fruit hop-like in appearance, at the ends of side shoots of the season, hanging on through the autumn.



1. Ostrya Virginica, Willd. (IRON-WOOD. AMERICAN HOP-HORNBEAM.) Leaves oblong-ovate, taper-pointed, very sharply doubly serrate, downy beneath, with 11 to 15 straight veins on each side of the midrib; buds acute. The hop-like fruit 2 to 3 times as long as wide; full grown and pendulous, 1 to 3 in. long, in August, when it adds greatly to the beauty of the tree. A small, rather slender tree, 30 to 50 ft. high, with the bark on old trees somewhat furrowed; wood white and very hard and heavy; common in rich woods, and occasionally cultivated.



2. Ostrya vulgaris, Willd. (EUROPEAN HOP-HORNBEAM.) This species from Europe is much like the American one, but has longer, more slender, more pendulous fruit-clusters. Occasionally cultivated.

GENUS 87. CARPINUS.

Trees or tall shrubs with alternate, simple, straight-veined leaves, and smooth and close gray bark. Flowers in drooping catkins, the sterile flowers in dense cylindric ones, and the fertile flowers in a loose terminal one forming an elongated, leafy-bracted cluster with many, several-grooved, small nuts, hanging on the tree till late in the autumn.



1. Carpinus Caroliniana, Walt. (AMERICAN HORNBEAM. BLUE OR WATER BEECH.) Leaves ovate-oblong, pointed, sharply doubly serrate, soon nearly smooth. Fruit with the scales obliquely halberd-shaped and cut-toothed, 3/4 in. long, nuts 1/8 in. long. A tree or tall shrub, 10 to 25 ft. high, with a peculiarly ridged trunk; the close, smooth gray bark and the leaves are much like those of the Beech. The wood is very hard and whitish. Common along streams; sometimes cultivated.



2. Carpinus Betulus, L. (EUROPEAN HORNBEAM.) This cultivated species is quite similar to the American, but can be distinguished by the scales of the fruit, which are wholly halberd-shaped, having the basal lobes nearly equal in size, as shown in the cut; while the American species has scales only half halberd-shaped.

GENUS 88. QUERCUS.

Large trees to shrubs, with simple, alternate, deciduous or evergreen, entire to deeply lobed leaves. The leaves are rather thick and woody, and remain on the tree either all winter or at least until nearly all other deciduous leaves have fallen. Flowers insignificant; the staminate ones in catkins; blooming in spring. Fruit an acorn, which in the White, Chestnut, and Live Oaks matures the same year the blossoms appear; while in the Red, Black, and Willow Oaks the acorns mature the second year. They remain on the tree until late in autumn. The Oaks, because of their large tap-roots, can be transplanted only when small. Most of the species are in cultivation. The species are very closely related, and a number of them quite readily hybridize; this is especially true of those of a particular group, as the White Oaks, Black Oaks, etc.

There is no attempt in the Key to characterize the hybrids, of which some are quite extensively distributed. Quercus heterophylla, Michx. (Bartram's Oak), supposed to be a hybrid between Quercus Phellos and Quercus rubra, is found quite frequently from Staten Island southward to North Carolina.

* Cultivated Oaks from the Old World; bark rough; leaves more or less sinuated or lobed. (A.)

A. Acorn cup not bristly 20.

A. Acorn cup more or less bristly 21.

* Wild species, occasionally cultivated. (B.)

B. Leaves entire or almost entire, or merely 3- (rarely 5-) lobed at the enlarged summit. (C.)

C. Ends about equal, petioles very short. (D.)

D. Leaves small (2 to 4 in. long), evergreen, bark smooth, black (Live-oaks) 10.

D. Leaves not evergreen in the North, somewhat awned when young, bark very smooth, black and never cracked (Willow-oaks). (E.)

E. Down on the under side quite persistent 18.

E. Under side soon smooth 19.

C. Widened near the tip, somewhat obovate and the end usually 3-lobed; bark quite black, smooth or furrowed, but never scaly (Black-oaks). (F.)

F. Leaves acute at base 16.

F. Leaves abrupt or cordate at base 17.

B. Leaves distinctly straight-veined, sinuate rather than lobed, the teeth generally rounded and never awned; bark white, rough and scaling (Chestnut-oaks). (G.)

G. Lobes rounded 5, 6, 7.

G. Lobes rather acute 8, 9.

B. Leaves coarsely lobed, the lobes usually rounded, never awned; bark white or whitish-brown, cracking and scaling off in thin laminae (White Oaks). (H.)

H. Leaves crowded at the ends of the branchlets 4.

H. Leaves not crowded 1, 2, 3.

B. Leaves more or less lobed, the lobes and teeth acute and bristle-pointed; petiole slender; base rather abrupt; bark dark-colored, smooth or furrowed, but never scaly (Red Oaks). (I.)

I. Leaves smooth both sides, at least when mature 11, 12, 13.

I. Leaves soft-downy beneath 14, 15.



1. Quercus alba, L. (AMERICAN WHITE OAK.) Leaves short-stemmed, acute at base, with 3 to 9 oblong, obtuse, usually entire, oblique lobes, very persistent, many remaining on the tree through the winter; pubescent when young, soon smooth, bright green above. Acorns in the axils of the leaves of the year, ovoid-oblong, 1 in., in a shallow, rough cup, often sweet and edible. A large tree, 60 to 80 ft. high, with stem often 6 ft. in diameter; wood light-colored, hard, tough and very useful. Common throughout.



2. Quercus stellata, Wang. (POST-OAK. ROUGH OR BOX WHITE OAK.) Leaves 4 to 6 in. long, sinuately cut into 5 to 7 roundish, divergent lobes, the upper ones much larger and often 1- to 3-notched, grayish-or yellowish-downy beneath, and pale and rough above. Acorn ovoid, about 1/2 in. long, one third to one half inclosed in a deep, saucer-shaped cup; in the axils of the leaves of the year. A medium-sized tree, 40 to 50 ft. high, with very hard, durable wood, resembling that of the White Oak. Massachusetts, south and west.



3. Quercus macrocarpa, Michx. (BUR-OAK. MOSSY-CUP.) Leaves obovate or oblong, lyrately pinnatifid or deeply sinuate-lobed or nearly parted, the lobes sparingly and obtusely toothed or entire. Acorn broadly ovoid, 1 in. or more long, one half to almost entirely inclosed in a thick and woody cup with usually a mossy fringed border formed of the upper awned scales; cup very variable in size, 3/4 to 2 in. across. A handsome, middle-sized tree, 40 to 60 ft. high. Western New England to Wisconsin, and southwestward.



4. Quercus lyrata, Walt. (SWAMP POST-OAK.) Leaves crowded at the ends of the branchlets, very variable, obovate-oblong, more or less deeply 7- to 9-lobed, white-to-mentose beneath when young, becoming smoothish; the lobes triangular to oblong, acute or obtuse, entire or sparingly toothed. Acorn about 3/4 in. long, nearly covered by the round, ovate, thin, rugged, scaly cup. A large tree with pale flaky bark. River-swamps in southern Indiana to Wisconsin, and southward.



5. Quercus bicolor, Willd. (SWAMP WHITE OAK.) Leaves obovate or oblong-obovate, wedge-shaped at base, coarsely sinuate-crenate, and often rather pinnatifid than toothed, whitish, soft-downy beneath. Main primary veins 6 to 8 pairs. Acorns, nearly 1 in., oblong-ovoid, set in a shallow cup often mossy fringed at the margin, on a peduncle about as long as the acorn, much longer than the petioles of the leaves; in the axils of the leaves of the year. A large tree, 60 to 80 ft. high, stem 5 to 8 ft. in diameter. Most common in the Northern and Western States, in swamps, but found in moist soil in the mountains of the South.



6. Quercus Michauxii, Nutt. (BASKET-OAK or COW-OAK.) Leaves 5 to 6 in. long, oval to obovate, acute, obtuse, or even cordate at base, regularly but usually not deeply sinuate, rather rigid, usually very tomentose beneath. Acorn large, 1-1/3 in. long, sweet and edible; cup shallow and roughened with coarse, acute scales; no fringe. A large and valuable Oak with gray and flaky bark.



7. Quercus Prinus, L. (CHESTNUT-OAK.) Leaves obovate or oblong, coarsely undulately toothed, with 10 to 16 pairs of straight, prominent ribs beneath; surface minutely downy beneath, and smooth above. Acorn ovoid, 1 in. long, covered nearly half-way with a thick, mostly tuberculated cup; in the axils of the leaves of the year; kernel sweetish and edible. A middle-sized or small tree, with reddish, coarse-grained wood. Found throughout, but common only southward.



8. Quercus Muhlenbergii, Engelm. (YELLOW CHESTNUT-OAK.) Leaves usually thin, 5 to 7 in. long, 1 1/2 to 2 in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, rather sharply notched, mostly obtuse or roundish at base, sometimes broadly ovate or obovate, and two thirds as wide as long. The leaves are usually more like those of the Chestnut than any other Oak; the primary veins very straight, impressed above, prominent beneath. Acorn 2/3 to 3/4 in. long, inclosed in a thin, hemispherical cup with small, appressed scales. A middle-sized tree with flaky, pale, thin, ash-colored bark, and tough, very durable, yellowish or brownish wood. Western New England, westward and south.



9. Quercus prinoides, Willd. (DWARF CHESTNUT-OAK.) Much like the last, but generally grows only 2 to 4 ft. high in the Eastern States. The leaves are more wavy-toothed, on shorter stems. It seems to be only a variety of Quercus Muhlenbergii, especially in the West, where it grows much taller and runs into that species.



10. Quercus virens, Ait. (LIVE-OAK.) Leaves thick, evergreen, 2 to 4 in. long, oblong, obtuse, and somewhat wrinkled; smooth and shining above, hairy beneath, the margin revolute, usually quite entire, rarely spiny-toothed. Acorns pedunculate, 1 to 3 in a cluster, oblong-ovate, with top-shaped nut. A mere shrub to a large tree, with yellowish wood of excellent grain and durability. Virginia and south.



11. Quercus rubra, L. (RED OAK.) Leaves rather thin, smooth, oblong, moderately pinnatifid, sometimes deeply so, into 8 to 12 entire or sharply toothed lobes, turning dark red after frost. Acorn oblong-ovoid, 1 in. or less long, set in a shallow cup of fine scales, with a narrow raised border, 3/4 to 1 in. in diameter; sessile or nearly so. A large tree, 60 to 90 ft. high, with reddish, very coarse-grained wood. Common throughout.



12. Quercus coccinea, Wang. (SCARLET OAK.) Leaves, in the ordinary form on large trees, bright green, shining above, turning red in autumn, oval or oblong, deeply pinnatifid, the 6 to 8 lobes divergent, and sparingly cut-toothed, notches rounded. Acorn 1/2 to 3/4 in. long, roundish, depressed, one half or a little more inclosed in a top-shaped, coarsely scaled cup; in the axils of the leaf-scars of the preceding year. A large handsome tree, 60 to 80 ft. high, with grayish bark not deeply furrowed, interior reddish; coarse-grained reddish wood. Moist or dry soil. Common.



Var. tinctoria. (Quercitron. Yellow-barked or Black Oak.) Leaves, especially on young trees, often less deeply pinnatifid, sometimes barely sinuate. Foliage much like that of Quercus rubra. Acorn nearly round, 1/2 to 2/3 in. long, set in a rather deep, conspicuously scaly cup. Bark of trunk thicker, rougher, darker-colored and with the inner color orange. Rich and poor soil. Abundant east, but rare west.



13. Quercus palustris, Du Roi. (SWAMP, SPANISH, OR PIN OAK.) Leaves oblong, deeply pinnatifid, with divergent, sharply toothed, bristle-tipped lobes and rounded notches, and with both sides bright green. Acorn globular, hardly 1/2 in. long, cup shallow and saucer-shaped, almost sessile, in the axils of last year's leaf-scars. A handsome, medium-sized tree; wood reddish, coarse-grained. In low ground. Common throughout.



14. Quercus falcata, Michx. (SPANISH OAK.) Leaves obtuse or roundish at base, 3- to 5-lobed above, the lobes prolonged, mostly narrow, and the end ones more or less scythe-shaped, bristle-tipped, entire or sparingly cut-toothed, soft-downy beneath. Foliage very variable. Acorn 1/3 to 1/2 in. long, globose, half inclosed in the hemispherical cup; nearly sessile. A tree, 30 to 70 ft. high, large and abundant in the South; bark thick and excellent for tanning; wood coarse-grained, dark brown or reddish. New Jersey, south and west.



15. Quercus ilicifolia, Wang. (BEAR OR BLACK SCRUB-OAK.) Leaves obovate, wedge-shaped at base, angularly about 5-lobed (3 to 7), white-downy beneath, 2 to 4 in. long, thickish, with short, triangular bristle-tipped lobes. Acorn ovoid, globular, 1/2 in. long. A dwarfed, straggling bush, 3 to 10 ft. high. Sandy barrens and rocky hills. New England to Ohio, and south.



16. Quercus aquatica, Walt. (WATER-OAK.) Leaves thick, sub-evergreen, obovate-wedge-shaped, smooth, tapering at the base, sometimes obscurely 3-lobed at the tip; on the seedlings and the young rapid-growing shoots often incised or sinuate-pinnatifid, and then bristle-pointed. Acorn small, globular-ovoid, downy, in a saucer-shaped cup, very bitter; in the axils of leaf-scars of the previous year. A very variable tree, 30 to 40 ft. high, with smooth bark. Wet ground. Maryland, west and south.



17. Quercus nigra, L. (BLACK OAK OR BARREN OAK.) Leaves large, 5 to 10 in. long, thick, wedge-shaped, broadly dilated above, and truncate or slightly 3-lobed at the end, bristle-awned, smooth above, rusty-downy beneath. Acorn oblong-ovate, 1/2 to 3/4 in. long, in the axils of the leaves of the preceding year, one third or one half inclosed in the top-shaped, coarse-scaled cup. A small tree, 10 to 25 ft. high, with rough, very dark-colored bark. New York, south and west, in dry, sandy barrens.



18. Quercus imbricaria, Michx. (LAUREL-OR SHINGLE-OAK.) Leaves lanceolate-oblong, entire, tipped with an abrupt, sharp point, pale-downy beneath. Acorn globular, 5/8 in. long, cup with broad, whitish, close-pressed scales, covering about one third of the nut. A stout tree, 30 to 50 ft. high, found in barrens and open woodlands. Wood extensively used in the West for shingles. New Jersey to Wisconsin, and southward.



19. Quercus Phellos, L. (WILLOW-OAK.) Leaves 2 to 4 in. long, thick, linear-lanceolate, narrowed at both ends, entire or very nearly so, soon smooth, light green, bristle-tipped, willow-like, scurfy when young. Acorns about sessile, globular, small (1/2 in.), in a shallow saucer shaped cup; on the old wood. Tree 30 to 50 ft. high, with smooth, thick bark, and reddish, coarse-grained wood, of little value. Borders of swamps, New Jersey, south and west; also cultivated.



20. Quercus Robur, L. (ENGLISH OAK.) Leaves on short footstalks, oblong, smooth, dilated upward, sinuately lobed, hardly pinnatifid. Acorns in the axils of the leaves of the year, ovate-oblong, over 1 in., about one third inclosed in the hemispherical cup; sessile in var. sessiliflora; clustered and long-peduncled in var. pedunculata. Trees 50 to 100 ft. high, extensively cultivated; from Europe; the nursery catalogues name as many as a score or more varieties.

One var., fastigiata (Pyramidal Oak), is a peculiar upright tree like the Lombardy Poplar; var. pendula (Weeping Oak) has long, slender, drooping branches.



21. Quercus Cerris, L. (TURKEY OAK.) Leaves on very short stalks, oblong, deeply and unequally pinnatifid, hairy beneath; lobes lanceolate, acute, somewhat angular. Acorns in the axils of the leaves of the year, ovate, with a hemispherical, bristly or mossy cup. Several varieties of this species, from Europe, are cultivated in this country. They form tall, round-headed, symmetrical trees.

GENUS 89. CASTANEA.

Trees or shrubs with alternate, simple, straight-veined, elongated, pointed leaves. Sterile flowers in long, drooping, conspicuous catkins, blooming in June or July; the fertile ones rather inconspicuous, but forming prickly-coated burs which hang on till the frost, when they split open and let out the brown, horny-coated nuts. Wood light, coarse-grained.

* Large tree with burs having 1 to 3 nuts 1.

* Small tree with burs having 1 rounded nut 2.



1. Castanea sativa, Mill. (CHESTNUT.) Leaves oblong-lanceolate, pointed, coarsely serrate, with usually awned teeth; smooth on both sides, 6 to 9 in. long, 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 in. wide. Burs large, very prickly, inclosing 1 to 3 large, ovoid, brown nuts, ripe after frost, which opens the bur into 4 valves. A common large tree, with light, coarse-grained wood, and bark having coarse longitudinal ridges on the old trees. Many varieties of this species are in cultivation, varying in the size and sweetness of the nuts, the size of the trees, and the size and the margins of the leaves, some of which are almost entire. The wild species is var. Americana.



2. Castanea pumila, Mill. (CHINQUAPIN.) Leaves lance-oblong, strongly straight-veined, coarsely serrate, usually with awned tips; whitish-downy beneath, 3 to 5 in. long, 1 1/4 to 2 in. wide. Bur small, prickly, with a single small, rounded, sweet, chestnut-colored nut. A handsome small tree, or in the wild state usually a shrub, 6 to 40 ft. high. Central New Jersey, southern Ohio and southward, and cultivated successfully as far north as New York City.

GENUS 90. FAGUS.

Trees with alternate, strongly straight-veined, almost entire to deeply pinnatifid leaves. Flowers inconspicuous, appearing with the leaves. Fruit a prickly bur, inclosing 2 triangular, sharp-ridged nuts, the bur hanging on the trees during the greater part of the winter. Leaf-buds very elongated, slender, sharp-pointed.

* The straight veins all ending in the teeth; native 1.

* Margin varying from entire to deeply pinnatifid, the straight veins occasionally ending in the notches 2.



1. Fagus ferruginea, Ait. (AMERICAN BEECH.) Leaves thin, oblong-ovate, taper-pointed, distinctly and often coarsely toothed; petioles and midrib ciliate with soft silky hairs when young, soon almost naked. The very straight veins run into the teeth. Prickles of the fruit mostly recurved or spreading. Large tree, 60 to 100 ft. high, with grayish-white, very smooth bark, and firm, light-colored, close-grained wood. Wild throughout, and frequently cultivated.



2. Fagus sylvatica, L. (EUROPEAN BEECH.) Leaves often similar to those of the American Beech, but usually shorter and broader; the border, often nearly entire, is wavy in some varieties, and in others deeply pinnatifid. The bark in most varieties is darker than in the American. This Beech, with its numerous varieties, is the one usually cultivated. Among the most useful varieties are atropurpurea (Purple Beech), with the darkest foliage of any deciduous tree, and almost entire-margined leaves; laciniata (Cut-leaved Beech), with very deeply cut leaves; and argentea variegata (Silver Variegated Beech), having in the spring quite distinctly variegated leaves.

ORDER XL. SALICACEAE. (WILLOW FAMILY.)

A small order of soft-wooded trees and shrubs, abundantly distributed in the northern temperate and frigid zones.

GENUS 91. SALIX.

Soft-wooded trees or shrubs growing in damp places, with alternate, usually quite elongated, pointed, deciduous leaves, without lobes. Stipules often large, leaf-like, and more or less persistent through the summer; sometimes scale-like and dropping early. The stipules are always free from the leafstalk and attached to the twig at small spots just below the leafstalk. Even if the stipules have dropped off, the small scars remain. Flowers staminate and pistillate on separate trees (dioecious), in elongated catkins in early spring. Fruit consists of catkins of small pods with numerous seeds having silky down at one end. The seeds usually drop early. Among the Willows there are so many hybrids and peculiar varieties as to render their study difficult, and their classification, in some cases, impossible. The following Key will probably enable the student to determine most specimens. No attempt has been made to include all the cultivated forms.

* Spray decidedly weeping 5.

* Spray not decidedly weeping. (A.)

A. Rather small Willows, 10 to 30 ft. high, with broad leaves, usually not over twice as long as wide; cultivated. (B.)

B. Leaves glossy dark green on the upper side, taper-pointed 7.

B. Leaves with white cottony hairs beneath 10.

B. Leaves rough-veiny beneath 13.

A. Rather large Willows, 12 to 80 ft. high, with the bark of the trunk very rough; leaves more elongated. (C.)

C. Petioles of the leaves not glandular; tree 10 to 40 ft. high. (D.)

D. Leaves green on both sides when mature 1.

D. Leaves glaucous beneath 2.

C. Petioles of the leaves usually glandular; tree 50 to 80 ft. high. (E.)

E. Young leaves green above and glaucous beneath 3.

E. Young leaves ashy gray or silvery white on both sides 4.

A. Small trees or almost shrubs, under 18 ft. high; bark of trunk rather smooth. (F.)

F. Leaves ovate rather than lanceolate, sometimes truncate or even cordate at base. (G.)

G. Leaves quite broad, shining on both sides. (H.)

H. Leaves bright green; twigs polished green 6.

H. Leaves very dark green, strongly fragrant when bruised 7.

G. Leaves pale-downy beneath, often cordate at base 8.

F. Leaves usually wider near the acute or acuminate tip, glaucous beneath. (I.)

I. Branches very twiggy; leaves often opposite; twigs olive-color or reddish 9.

I. Branches not very twiggy; leaves all alternate 11, 12.

F. Leaves very long and slender, almost linear 14.



1. Salix nigra, Marsh. (BLACK WILLOW.) Leaves narrowly lanceolate, tapering at the ends, serrate, smooth except on the petiole and midrib, green on both sides; stipules small (large in var. falcata), dentate, dropping early. Branches very brittle at base. A small tree, 15 to 35 ft. high, with rough black bark. Common along streams, southward, but rare in the northern range of States.



2. Salix amygdaloides, Anderson. (WESTERN BLACK WILLOW.) Leaves 2 to 4 in. long, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, attenuate-cuspidate, pale or glaucous beneath, with long slender petioles; stipules minute and soon falling. A small tree, 10 to 40 ft. high, from central New York westward. It is the common Black Willow of the streams of Ohio to Missouri.



3. Salix fragilis, L. (BRITTLE WILLOW. CRACK-WILLOW.) Leaves lanceolate, taper-pointed, smooth, glaucous beneath (slightly silky when young), serrate throughout; stipules half heart-shaped, usually large. Branches smooth and polished, very brittle at base. A tall (50 to 80 ft. high) handsome Willow, with a bushy head and salmon-colored wood; cultivated from Europe for basket-work, and extensively naturalized. Many varieties, hybrids between this species and the next, are very common. Among them may be mentioned the following:

Var. decipiens, with dark-brown buds; var. Russelliana, with more slender, brighter, and more sharply serrate leaves, the annual shoots silky-downy toward autumn; var. viridis, with tough, pendulous branchlets, and firmer, bright green leaves.



4. Salix alba, L. (WHITE WILLOW.) Leaves lanceolate or elliptical-lanceolate, pointed, serrate, covered more or less with white silky hairs, especially beneath; var. caerulea has nearly smooth leaves, at maturity of a bluish tint; stipules small and quite early deciduous. Catkins of flowers long and loose, on a peduncle; stamens usually 2; stigmas nearly sessile, thick, and recurved. May, June. A quite large tree, 50 to 80 ft. high, with thick, rough bark, usually having yellow twigs (var. vitellina); introduced from Europe and now quite common throughout. Branches very brittle at base.



5. Salix Babylonica, Tourn. (WEEPING WILLOW.) Leaves linear-lanceolate, acuminate, finely serrate, smooth, glaucous beneath; stipules small, roundish, oblique, acuminate; branches pendulous.

A large, gracefully drooping tree, so extensively cultivated for ornament as to seem native; from Europe.

Var. annularis (Ring-leaved Willow. Curled Willow) has the leaves coiled round into rings and spirals.



6. Salix lucida, Muehl. (SHINING OR AMERICAN BAY WILLOW.) Leaves thickish, ovate-lanceolate, with a rounded base, a very long acuminate point, and a glandular petiole; when mature, smooth and shining on both sides. Twigs rather stout, polished, and dark green. Bark of trunk smooth. Fruiting catkins quite persistent. A beautiful small tree or shrub, 6 to 15 ft. high, of bushy form. New Jersey, north and westward.



7. Salix pentandra, L. (LAUREL-LEAVED OR BAY WILLOW.) Leaves ovate, taper-pointed, crenate, glandular, smooth, glossy, bright deep green on both sides, strongly fragrant when bruised. Catkins large, fragrant, golden-yellow, with 4 to 12 (commonly 5) stamens to each flower. June, after the leaves are expanded. A small handsome tree, 15 to 20 ft. high, from Europe, which should be more extensively cultivated in damp soils, as its form, flowers, and foliage are all beautiful.



8. Salix cordata, Muehl. (HEART-LEAVED WILLOW.) Leaves lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, heart-shaped, truncate or sometimes acute at base, taper-pointed, sharply serrate, smooth above, pale-downy beneath; stipules often large, kidney-shaped, and toothed, sometimes small and entire. Catkins appearing with or before the leaves along the sides of the stem; stamens 2; scales dark or black, hairy, persistent. Shrub or small tree, 8 to 20 ft. high, very common in low and wet places. Many named varieties are found.

Var. rigida has large, thick, coarse-toothed leaves; vars. myricoides and angustata have narrower, finely serrate leaves, almost or fully acute at base.



9. Salix purpurea, L. (PURPLE WILLOW.) Leaves lanceolate, pointed, partly opposite, minutely serrate, smooth. Twigs olive-color or reddish. Catkins cylindric, with leafy bracts at base, and apparently 1 stamen to each flower (the filaments are united). A shrub or small tree, 3 to 12 ft. high; from Europe. In low ground; often cultivated for the twigs, which are used in basket-making.



10. Salix caprea, L. (GOAT-WILLOW.) Leaves large, roundish, ovate, pointed, serrate, wavy, deep green above, pale and downy with soft, white-cottony hairs beneath; stipules somewhat crescent-shaped. Catkins large, oval, numerous, almost sessile, blooming much before the leaves appear, and of a showy yellow color. A moderate-sized tree, 15 to 30 ft. high, with spreading, brown or purplish branches. Frequent in cultivation; from Europe; growing well in dry places. The Goat-willow is the one generally used for the stock of the artificial umbrella-formed "Kilmarnock Willow." The growth of shoots from these stocks is rendering the Goat-willow quite common.



11. Salix rostrata, Richards. (BEAKED WILLOW.) Leaves oblong to obovate-lanceolate, acute, usually obscurely toothed, sometimes crenate or serrate, downy above, prominently veined, soft-hairy and somewhat glaucous beneath. Twigs downy. Catkins appearing with the leaves. Fruit-capsules tapering to a long slender beak, pedicels long and slender. A small, tree-shaped shrub, 4 to 15 ft. high, common in both moist and dry ground. New England, west and north.



12. Salix discolor, Muehl. (GLAUCOUS OR BOG WILLOW.) Leaves lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, acute, remotely serrate at the base, finely serrate along the middle, and almost entire near the tip; smooth and bright green above, soon smooth and somewhat glaucous beneath; stipules, on the vigorous shoots, equaling the petiole, more frequently small and inconspicuous. Catkins sessile, 1 in. long, appearing before the leaves in the spring; scales dark red or brown, becoming black, covered with long glossy hairs. Fruit in catkins, 2 1/2 in. long, the capsules very hairy, with short but distinct style. A very variable species, common in low meadows and on river-banks; usually a shrub, but occasionally 15 ft. high.



13. Salix cinerea, L. (GRAY OR ASH-COLORED WILLOW.) Leaves obovate-lanceolate, entire to serrate; glaucous-downy and reticulated with veins beneath; stipules half heart-shaped, serrate. Flowers yellow; ovary silky, on a stalk half as long as the bracts. A shrub to middle-sized tree, 10 to 30 ft. high, with an erect trunk; occasionally cultivated; from Europe.



14. Salix longifolia, Muehl. (LONG-LEAVED WILLOW.) Leaves linear-lanceolate, very long, tapering at each end, nearly sessile, remotely notched with projecting teeth, clothed with gray hairs when young; stipules small, lanceolate, toothed. Branches brittle at base. A shrub or small tree, 2 to 20 ft. high, common, especially westward, along river-banks.

GENUS 92. POPULUS.

Trees with alternate, deciduous, broad-based leaves. Flowers in long and drooping catkins, appearing before the leaves are expanded in the spring. Fruit small, dry pods in catkins, having seeds, coated with cottony down, which early in the season escape and float in the wind. On this account the trees are called Cottonwoods in the West. Trees with light-colored, rather soft wood.

* Leaves always white-hairy underneath; more or less deeply lobed; buds not gummy 1.

* Leaves smooth beneath, at least when old. (A.)

A. Leafstalk decidedly flattened laterally. (B.)

B. Buds not covered with sticky gum. (C.)

C. Leaves roundish heart-shaped; bark on trunk greenish-white, 2.

C. Leaves large, ovate, with large, irregular, sinuate teeth, 3.

B. Buds covered with aromatic, glutinous resin. (D.)

D. Tree tall, spire-shaped, 5.

D. Not very spire-shaped; young twigs sharply angled or winged, leaves 6 to 10 in. long, broadly deltoid, serrate with incurved teeth, 6.

D. Not spire-shaped; young twigs not angular, 7.

A. Leafstalk not decidedly flattened; leaf-margin crenate. (E.)

E. Buds not glutinous; leaves white-woolly beneath when young, 4.

E. Buds very glutinous; leaves large, shining green on both sides, 8.



1. Populus alba, L. (WHITE POPLAR OR ABELE TREE.) Leaves roundish, slightly heart-shaped, wavy toothed or lobed, soon green above, very white-cottony beneath even when old; buds without the sticky coating common in the genus. Branches very white with down when young. Root creeping and producing numerous suckers. A large tree, 50 to 80 ft. high, of rapid growth, often cultivated; from Europe. Leaves and branches very variable, forming several named varieties in the catalogues of the nurseries.



2. Populus tremuloides, Michx. (QUAKING-ASP. AMERICAN ASPEN.) Leaves roundish heart-shaped, with a short sharp point, and small, quite regular teeth; downy when young, but soon smooth on both sides; margins downy. Leafstalk long, slender, compressed, causing the leaves to tremble continually in the slightest breeze. Leaf with 2 glands at the base on the upper surface; buds varnished. A medium-sized tree, 30 to 60 ft. high; bark greenish-white outside, yellow within, quite brittle. Common both in forests and in cultivation.



3. Populus grandidentata, Michx. (LARGE-TOOTHED ASPEN.) Leaves large, 3 to 5 in. long, roundish-ovate, with large, irregular, sinuate teeth; and when young densely covered with white, silky wool, but soon becoming smooth on both sides; leaf, when young, reddish-yellow; petiole compressed. A large tree, 60 to 80 ft. high, with rather smoothish gray bark. Woods; common northward, rare southward, except in the Alleghanies. Wood soft and extensively used for paper-making.



4. Populus heterophylla, L. (DOWNY-LEAVED POPLAR.) Leaves heart-shaped or roundish-ovate with small, obtuse, incurved teeth; white-woolly when young, but soon becoming smooth on both sides except on the veins beneath. Leafstalk slightly compressed. Shoots round, tomentose. Buds not glutinous. A large tree, 70 to 80 ft. high, not very common; found from western New England to Illinois, and southward.



5. Populus dilatata, L. (LOMBARDY POPLAR.) Leaves deltoid, wider than long, crenulated all round, both sides smooth from the first; leafstalk compressed; buds glutinous. A tall tree, 80 to 120 ft. high; spire-like, of rapid growth, with all the branches erect; the trunk twisted and deeply furrowed. Frequently planted a century ago, but now quite rare in the eastern United States. From Europe. It is thought to be a variety of Populus nigra (No. 7).



6. Populus monilifera, Ait. (COTTONWOOD. CAROLINA POPLAR. NECKLACE-POPLAR.) Leaves large, broadly heart-shaped or deltoid, serrate with cartilaginous, incurved, slightly hairy teeth. The rapid-growing young twigs very angular and bearing very large (6 to 9 in. long) leaves. A very large (80 to 100 ft. high) tree, common in the Mississippi valley, but found in western New England and often planted.



7. Populus nigra, L. (BLACK POPLAR.) Leaves rather large, deltoid, pointed, serrate with glandular teeth, smooth on both sides even when young. Leafstalk somewhat compressed. Buds very sticky. A very variable, large (50 to 80 ft. high), rapidly growing tree with spreading branches. Occasionally planted. From Europe.



8. Populus balsamifera, L. (BALSAM-POPLAR. TACAMAHAC. BALM OF GILEAD.) Leaves very large, ovate, gradually acuminate, sometimes heart-shaped, finely serrate, smooth, bright green and shining on both sides; leafstalk nearly round; leaves in spring rich yellow. Branches ridged below the leaves; buds large and covered with very fragrant resin. A medium-sized tree, 40 to 70 ft. high, pyramidal in form. Wild in the North and often cultivated.

Var. candicans, or Balm of Gilead, has larger and more or less heart-shaped leaves (the larger figure in the cut).

CLASS II. GYMNOSPERMAE.

Plants in which the pistil is represented by an open scale instead of a body with a closed ovary, as in Class I.

ORDER XLI. CONIFERAE. (PINE FAMILY.)

As far as the number of species is concerned, this is the largest order of trees and shrubs of temperate and cold-temperate regions. The order is of the greatest importance, both on account of the valuable timber it furnishes and for its resinous secretions, turpentine and resin.

GENUS 93. PINUS. (THE PINES.)

Leaves needle-shaped, 1 to 15 in. long, almost cylindric, 2, 3, or 5 together in clusters, with a sheath, more or less persistent, at the base. Flowers monoecious, both staminate and pistillate in catkins, usually insignificant and unnoticeable. In spring. Fruit a cone, persistent and formed of more or less woody, overlapping scales.

* Leaves usually 5 together in bundles. (A.)

A. Leaves 6 in. or more long, glaucous green and very pendulous 1.

A. Leaves under 4 in. long. (B.)

B. Cones over 10 in. long, on stalks 3 in. long, pendulous when ripe 2.

B. Cones 4 to 10 in. long. (C.)

C. Scales of cones thin, unarmed 3, 4.

C. Scales of cones thick and woody, obtuse, 1 in. broad 5.

B. Cones under 4 in. long; scales slightly hooked but pointless 6.

* Leaves usually in threes, rarely in twos; scales of cones with spines or prickles. (D.)

D. Scales of cones with short, rigid, straight spines; leaves 6 to 10 in. long 7.

D. Scales with sharp, bent prickles. (E.)

E. Leaves over 5 in. long, sometimes 15 in. long 8, 9.

E. Leaves 3 to 5 in. long, rigid and flattened, from short sheaths, 10.

* Leaves usually in twos; cones rarely over 3 in. long. (F.)

F. Leaves over 3 in. long. (G.)

G. Cone-scales with dull spines 11.

G. With small or minute, persistent prickles 12, 13, 14.

G. With no prickles, or small ones, early deciduous 15, 16.

F. Leaves 3 in. or less long. (H.)

H. Cone-scales with straight or slightly curved, rigid spines 17.

H. Cone-scales with stout, recurved spines 18, 19.

H. Cone-scales with small prickles which are early deciduous 20.

H. Cone-scales without spines or prickles 21, 22.



1. Pinus excelsa, Wallich. (BHOTAN PINE.) Leaves in fives, from short, fugacious, overlapping, membranaceous sheaths, 6 to 7 in. long, very slender, of a glaucous-green color, and very pendulous. Cones 6 to 9 in. long, and 2 in. in diameter, drooping and clustered, with broad, thick, wedge-shaped scales. A large beautiful tree from southern Asia, much subject to blight when planted in this country. Owing to its peculiar drooping branches it has been called the Weeping Fir.



2. Pinus Lambertiana, Douglas. (LAMBERT'S or SUGAR PINE.) Leaves in fives, 3 to 4 in. long, from short, deciduous sheaths. Cones 12 to 18 in. long and 3 to 4 in. in diameter, gradually tapering to a point, on stalks 3 in. long, brown and pendulous when ripe, without resin; seeds large, oval, nearly 1 in. long, edible. A very large tree (100 to 300 ft. high in California and northward), and seemingly hardy and well worth cultivation in the East. Wood white and soft like that of the White Pine.



3. Pinus Strobus, L. (WHITE PINE. WEYMOUTH PINE.) Leaves in fives, 3 to 4 in. long, from a loose, deciduous sheath; slender, soft, and whitish on the under side. Cones 4 to 6 in. long, cylindric, usually curved, with smooth, thin, unarmed scales. Tall (100 to 150 ft. high), very useful tree, of white, soft wood nearly free from resin and more extensively used for lumber than any other American tree. Has been common throughout, but is getting scarce on account of its consumption for lumber.



4. Pinus monticola, Dougl. (MOUNTAIN-PINE.) Leaves in fives, 3 to 4 in. long, from short, overlapping, very deciduous sheaths; smooth, glaucous green. Cones 7 in. long and 1 3/4 in. in diameter, cylindric, smooth, obtuse, short-peduncled, resinous, with loosely overlapping, pointless scales. A large tree, 60 to 80 ft. high, resembling the White Pine, and often considered a variety of it, but the foliage is denser; Pacific coast.



5. Pinus flexilis, James. (WESTERN WHITE PINE.) Leaves 2 to 3 in. long, rigid, entire, acute, densely crowded, sharp-pointed, of a rich dark green color, 5 together in lanceolate, deciduous sheaths. Cones 4 to 6 in. long and half as wide, subcylindric, tapering to the end, semipendulous, clustered. Scales thick, woody, obtuse, loose, 1 1/4 in. broad, yellowish brown. Seeds rather large, with rigid margins instead of wings. A handsome hardy tree from the Pacific Highlands, occasionally cultivated. It resembles the eastern White Pine, but is more compact and of a darker color.



6. Pinus Cembra, L. (CEMBRA PINE. SWISS STONE-PINE.) Leaves 3 to 4 in. long, from a medium-sized deciduous sheath; triangular, rigid, slender, straight, crowded, dark green with a glaucous surface; 5 together. Cones 2 1/2 in. by 2 in., ovate, erect, with obtuse, slightly hooked, but pointless scales. Seeds as large as peas and destitute of wings. A slow-growing, cultivated tree, 40 to 80 ft. high. Forms a regular cone; branches to the ground; Europe; hardy throughout.



7. Pinus Taeda, L. (LOBLOLLY OR OLD-FIELD PINE.) Leaves in twos and threes, 6 to 10 in. long, with elongated, close sheaths; slender and of a light green color. Cones in pairs or solitary, lateral, 3 to 4 in. long, oblong, conical; the scales having short, rigid, straight spines. A large tree, 50 to 130 ft. high, wild from Delaware, south and west, in swamps and old fields.



8. Pinus ponderosa, Dougl. (WESTERN YELLOW OR HEAVY-WOODED PINE.) Leaves in threes, 5 to 10 in. long, from short sheaths; broad, coarse, twisted, flexible, of a deep green color; branchlets thick, reddish brown. Cones 3 to 4 in. long, ovate, reflexed, clustered on short stems. Scales long, flattened, with small, sharp, recurved prickles. A large Pacific coast species, 100 to 300 ft. high, with rather coarse-grained, hard and heavy, whitish wood, and thick, deeply furrowed bark; beginning to be cultivated east.



9. Pinus palustris, Mill. (LONG-LEAVED OR SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE.) Leaves 3 together in bundles, 10 to 15 in. long, from a long, lacerated, light-colored sheath, of a bright green color, and crowded in dense clusters at the ends of the branches. Cones 6 to 10 in. long, usually cylindric, of a beautiful brown color, with thick scales, armed with very small, slightly recurved prickles. A rather tall pine, 75 ft. high, wild in the Southern States, and cultivated as far north as New Jersey, in sheltered situations.



10. Pinus rigida, Mill. (PITCH-PINE.) Leaves in threes, 3 to 5 in. long, from short sheaths; rigid and flattened. Cones ovate, 1 in. to nearly 4 in. long, sometimes in clusters; scales with a short, recurved prickle. A medium-sized tree, 40 to 70 ft. high, with hard, coarse-grained, very resinous wood; found east of the Alleghanies throughout; more abundant in swamps.



11. Pinus Austriaca, Hoess. (AUSTRIAN OR BLACK PINE.) Leaves long, 3 to 5 in., rigid, slender, incurved, sharply mucronate, of a dark green color; from short sheaths; 2 together. Cones 2 1/2 to 3 in. long, regularly conical, slightly recurved, of a light brown color; scales smooth, shining, with a dull spine in the center. A large cultivated tree, 60 to 80 ft. high, hardy throughout. Europe.



12. Pinus Laricio, Poir. (CORSICAN PINE.) Leaves 4 to 6 in. long, slender, very wavy, dark green; 2 together in a sheath. Cones 2 to 3 in. long, conical, somewhat curved, often in pairs. Scales with very small prickles. Seeds rather large with broad wings. A tall, open, pyramidal, rapid-growing tree, 60 to 100 ft. high, with the branches in regular whorls, spreading and very resinous. Often cultivated. Europe.



13. Pinus Massoniana, Sieb. (MASSON'S PINE.) Leaves in twos, 4 to 6 in. long, rather stiff, concave on one side and convex on the other, twisted but not curved; sharp-pointed, of a fresh, bright green color. Cones 1 to 11/2 in. long, conical, incurved, solitary but numerous, with closely overlapping scales terminating in slender prickles. An upright, compact tree, 40 to 50 ft. high, from Japan; sometimes cultivated. Hardy at Boston.



14. Pinus mitis, Michx. (COMMON YELLOW PINE.) Leaves sometimes in threes, usually in twos, from long sheaths; slender, 3 to 5 in. long, dark green, rather soft. Cones ovate to oblong-conical, hardly 2 in. long; the scales with minute weak prickles. A large tree with an erect trunk, 50 to 100 ft. high. Staten Island, south and west. The western form has more rigid leaves, and more spiny cones.



15. Pinus densiflora, Siebold. (JAPAN PINE.) Leaves about 4 in. long, from short, fringed, scale-like sheaths; rigid, convex above, concave beneath and somewhat serrulate on the margin, very smooth, sharp-pointed and crowded, shining green and somewhat glaucous; falling when one to two years old; 2 in a sheath. Cones abundant; 1 1/2 in. long, short-peduncled, conical, obtuse, terminal, somewhat pendent; scales linear-oblong, woody, with a small prickle which soon falls off. A beautiful small tree, 30 to 40 ft. high; from Japan; hardy throughout.



16. Pinus resinosa, Ait. (RED PINE.) Leaves 5 to 6 in. long, in twos, from long sheaths; rigid, straight, dark green. Cones 2 in. long, ovate-conical, smooth, their scales without points, slightly thickened, usually growing in clusters. A tall tree, 60 to 80 ft. high, with rather smooth, reddish bark and hard light-colored wood; branchlets also having smooth reddish bark. Pennsylvania, north and west.



17. Pinus inops, Ait. (JERSEY OR SCRUB PINE.) Leaves short, 1 1/2 to 3 in. long, rigid; usually 2, rarely 3, in a short sheath. Cones solitary, 2 to 3 in. long, ovate-oblong, curved, on a short stalk. Scales tipped with a straight, rigid spine. A small tree, 15 to 30 ft. high, growing wild in sections where the soil is poor and sandy; having straggling flexible branches with rough, dark bark; New Jersey, south and west. Rarely cultivated.