WEST VIRGINIA TREES
BULLETIN 175
Agricultural Experiment Station
College of Agriculture
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
Morgantown
JOHN LEE COULTER, Director
_Bulletin 175_ _September, 1920_
Agricultural Experiment Station
College of Agriculture, West Virginia University
JOHN LEE COULTER, Director,
MORGANTOWN
West Virginia Trees
[Illustration: A Stand of Young White Pines.]
BY
A. B. BROOKS
Bulletins and Reports of this Station will be mailed free to any
citizen of West Virginia upon written application. Address Director of
the West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, Morgantown, W. Va.
THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA
Educational Institutions
THE STATE BOARD OF CONTROL
E. B. STEPHENSON, President Charleston, W. Va.
JAMES S. LAKIN Charleston, W. Va.
J. M. WILLIAMSON Charleston, W. Va.
The State Board of Control has the direction of the financial and
business affairs of the state educational institutions.
THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
M. P. SHAWKEY, President Charleston, W. Va.
State Superintendent of Schools
GEORGE S. LAIDLEY Charleston, W. Va.
NOAH G. KEIM Elkins, W. Va.
EARL W. OGLEBAY Wheeling, W. Va.
FRANK N. SYCAFOOSE Webster Springs, W. Va.
L. W. BURNS Grafton, W. Va.
W. C. COOK Welch, W. Va.
The State Board of Education has charge of all matters of a purely
scholastic nature concerning the state educational institutions.
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
FRANK BUTLER TROTTER, LL.D. President
Agricultural Experiment Station Staff
JOHN LEE COULTER, A.M., Ph.D. Director
BERT H. HITE, M.S. Vice-Director and Chemist
FRANK B. KUNST, A.B. Assistant Chemist
CHARLES E. WEAKLEY, Jr. Assistant Chemist
W. E. RUMSEY, B.S.Agr. State Entomologist
N. J. GIDDINGS, Ph.D. Plant Pathologist
ANTHONY BERG, B.S. Assistant Plant Pathologist
ERNEST L. ANTHONY, M.S. Dairyman
H. O. HENDERSON, M.S. Assistant Dairyman
HORACE ATWOOD, M.S.Agr. Poultry Research
E. L. ANDREWS, B.S.Agr. Assistant in Poultry Husbandry
ROBERT M. SALTER, M.Sc. Soil Investigations
R. E. STEPHENSON, M.S. Assistant in Soil Investigations
I. S. COOK, Jr., B.S.Agr. Research Agronomist
T. C. McILVANE, M.S.Agr. Assistant Agronomist
R. P. BLEDSOE, M.S. Assistant Agronomist
J. K. SHAW, Ph.D. Horticulturist
H. A. JONES, Ph.D. Assistant Horticulturist
L. F. SUTTON, B.S., B.S.Agr. Assistant Horticulturist
H. E. KNOWLTON, B.S.Agr. Assistant Horticulturist
H. L. CRANE, M.S.Agr. Assistant Horticulturist
ROLAND H. PATCH, M.S. Assistant Horticulturist
H. W. RICHEY, B.S.Agr. Assistant Horticulturist
ERNEST ANGELO, B.S.Agr. Assistant Horticulturist
L. M. PEAIRS, M.S. Research Entomologist
E. A. LIVESAY, M.S.Agr.. Animal Husbandry
[1]R. H. TUCKWILLER, B.S.Agr. Assistant in Animal Husbandry
C. V. WILSON, B.S.Agr. Assistant in Animal Husbandry
A. J. DADISMAN, M.S.Agr. Farm Economics
C. A LUEDER, D.V.M. Veterinary Science
C. E. STOCKDALE, B.S.Agr. Agricultural Editor
D. M. WILLIS, LL.M. Financial Secretary
J. C. JOHNSTON Chief Clerk
MARY A. FOX Assistant Librarian
[1] In co-operation with U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.
PREFACE
The native trees of West Virginia number about 125, of which 101 are
described and illustrated in this publication. The omissions are
principally species of unimportant willows and hawthorns which can be
identified only by specialists. Some of the more common introduced
trees are mentioned in the family descriptions on pages 13 to 27, and a
few are illustrated in groups after the descriptions of native species.
It has been the object to simplify everything in this publication as
much as possible. The meaning of unfamiliar words in the keys and
descriptions can be learned by consulting the glossary beginning on
page 237.
The keys are based principally on characters of leaf and fruit since
these are usually available for study during several months in the
summer and fall. The text, however, contains brief descriptions of the
flowers which often denote most surely the natural relationship of
species.
Scientific names and the order of arrangement are essentially those of
the seventh edition of Gray’s New Manual of Botany.
The drawings were made by the writer from specimens collected during
the past few years.
This bulletin has been prepared mainly for those who desire to become
more familiar with our native and introduced trees, but who do not have
access to the larger publications on the subject. It will serve also as
a basis for future forestry studies in the State. Popular interest in
forestry, which is sadly lacking in West Virginia at this time, will be
stimulated by a more general and more intimate acquaintance with the
different kinds of trees. It is hoped that this bulletin will help to
create the needed interest. If difficulty is found in determining the
name of any tree, specimens mailed to the West Virginia Agricultural
Experiment Station, Morgantown, West Virginia, will be named, if
possible, without charge.
—_A.B. BROOKS._
Morgantown, W. Va.
September 1, 1920.
CONTENTS
Page
Preface 3
Contents 4
Key to Genera 7
Pinaceae—The Pine Family 13
Salicaceae—The Willow Family 14
Juglandaceae—The Walnut Family 15
Betulaceae—The Birch Family 16
Fagaceae—The Beech Family 17
Urticaceae—The Nettle Family 19
Magnoliaceae—The Magnolia Family 20
Anonaceae—The Custard Apple Family 20
Lauraceae—The Laurel Family 21
Hamamelidaceae—The Witch Hazel Family 21
Platanaceae—The Plane Tree Family 21
Rosaceae—The Rose Family 21
Leguminosae—The Pulse Family 22
Rutaceae—The Rue Family 23
Simarubaceae—The Quassia Family 23
Anacardiaceae—The Cashew Family 23
Aquifoliaceae-The Holly Family 24
Aceraceae—The Maple Family 24
Sapindaceae—The Soapberry Family 25
Tiliaceae—The Linden Family 25
Araliaceae—The Ginseng Family 25
Cornaceae—The Dogwood Family 25
Ericaceae—The Heath Family 25
Ebenaceae—The Ebony Family 26
Styracaceae—The Storax Family 26
Oleaceae—The Olive Family 26
Caprifoliaceae—The Honeysuckle Family 27
White Pine 29
Pitch Pine 31
Table Mountain Pine 33
Yellow Pine 35
Jersey or Scrub Pine 37
Tamarack 39
Red Spruce 41
Hemlock 43
Balsam Fir 45
Arbor Vitae 47
Red Cedar 49
Black Willow 51
American Aspen 53
Large-toothed Poplar 55
Cottonwood 57
Butternut 59
Black Walnut 61
Shell-Bark Hickory 63
Big Shell-Bark Hickory 65
Mockernut Hickory 67
Pignut Hickory 69
Bitternut Hickory 71
Hop Hornbeam 73
American Hornbeam 75
Black Birch 77
Yellow Birch 79
Red Birch 81
Beech 83
Chestnut 85
Chinquapin 87
White Oak 89
Post Oak 91
Bur Oak 93
Swamp White Oak 95
Yellow Oak 97
Chestnut Oak 99
Red Oak 101
Pin Oak 103
Scarlet Oak 105
Black Oak 107
Spanish Oak 109
Scrub Oak 111
Black Jack Oak 113
Laurel Oak 115
Slippery Elm 117
American Elm 119
Hackberry 121
Red Mulberry 123
Cucumber Tree 125
Umbrella Tree 127
Mountain Magnolia 129
Tulip Tree 131
Common Pawpaw 133
Sassafras 135
Witch Hazel 137
Sweet Gum 139
Sycamore 141
American Crab Apple 143
Mountain Ash 145
Shad Bush 147
Cockspur Thorn 149
Dotted Thorn 151
Black Cherry 153
Choke Cherry 155
Wild Red Cherry 157
Wild Plum 159
Honey Locust 161
Red Bud 163
Common Locust 165
Hop Tree 167
Stag Horn Sumach 169
Dwarf Sumach 171
Poison Sumach 173
American Holly 175
Mountain Holly 177
Striped Maple 179
Mountain Maple 181
Sugar Maple 183
Black Sugar Maple 185
Silver Maple 187
Red Maple 189
Box Elder 191
Fetid Buckeye 193
Sweet Buckeye 195
Basswood 197
White Basswood 199
Hercules Club 201
Flowering Dogwood 203
Alternate-Leaved Dogwood 205
Black Gum 207
Great Laurel 209
Mountain Laurel 211
Sour-wood 213
Common Persimmon 215
Opossum Wood 217
White Ash 219
Red Ash 221
Black Ash 223
Fringe Tree 225
Sweet Viburnum 227
Black Haw 229
Red Pine 230
Scotch Pine 230
Bald Cypress 230
European Larch 230
Norway Spruce 230
White Willow 230
Osage Orange 230
Norway Maple 231
Sycamore Maple 231
Gray Birch 231
Horse Chestnut 231
Catalpa 231
Tree of Heaven 231
Kentucky Coffee Tree 231
Native Shrubs and Shrubby Vines 232
Glossary 237
West Virginia Trees
By A. B. BROOKS
KEY TO THE GENERA
(Based on leaves and fruit)
a.—Leaves simple.
b.—Leaves needle-shaped, awl-shaped, or scale-like, usually
evergreen; fruit a cone or berry-like.
c.—Leaves in bundles of 2-many; fruit a cone.
Leaves in bundles of 2-5, evergreen =Pinus, p. 13.=
Leaves in clusters of 8-many on short spur-like
branchlets, deciduous in autumn =Larix, p. 13.=
c.—Leaves not in bundles, solitary.
d.—Leaves alternate or whorled.
Leaves 4-angled, harsh, needle-shaped =Picea, p. 13.=
Leaves flat, whitened beneath, ½-1¼ inches
long, sessile, aromatic; cones 2-4 inches long
with deciduous scales; bark of twigs smooth,
and on old trunks with raised resin-filled blisters
=Abies, p. 14.=
Leaves two-fifths to one-half inch long, short-petioled,
flat and whitened beneath; cones
about ¾ inch long with persistent scales; bark
of twigs rough =Tsuga, p. 14.=
d.—Leaves opposite.
Leaves scale-like, decurrent on the stem, all of
one kind; twigs flattened; fruit a small elongated
cone with 8-12 over-lapping scales =Thuja, p. 14.=
Leaves of two kinds, either scale-like or awl-shaped,
not decurrent on the stem; twigs nearly
terete; fruit a bluish, berry-like strobile
=Juniperus, p. 14.=
b.—Leaves flat and broad, usually deciduous.
c.—Leaves alternate or clustered.
d.—Leaves without lobes.
e.—Leaves with margins entire or slightly
undulate.
f.—Leaves deciduous.
Leaves 2-5 inches long, oval; fruit an
ovoid, blue berry-like drupe, borne 1-3 in
a drooping cluster =Nyssa, p. 25.=
Leaves 2-5 inches long, ovate; fruit a
spherical, blue berry-like drupe, borne
many in an upright cyme, (_Cornus alternifolia_)
=Cornus, p. 25.=
Leaves 4-6 inches long, oval; fruit an edible
berry ¾-1¼ inches in diameter
=Diospyros, p. 26.=
Leaves 4-12 inches long, obovate-lanceolate;
fruit banana-like, 3-5 inches long,
with many flattened seeds in the yellow
flesh =Asimina, p. 20.=
Leaves 6-24 inches long, ovate-obovate;
fruit a cone-like or cucumber-like cylindrical
mass 2-4 inches long =Magnolia, p. 20.=
Leaves 3-5 inches long, heart-shaped;
fruit a pod 2-3 inches long =Cercis, p. 23.=
Leaves 4-6 inches long, oblong-lanceolate;
fruit an acorn (_Quercus imbricaria_)
=Quercus, p. 17.=
f.—Leaves evergreen.
Leaves 3-4 inches long; fruit many dry
spherical capsules in a corymb
=Kalmia, p. 26.=
Leaves 4-11 inches long, evergreen; fruit
an oblong, dry capsule, several in umbel-like
clusters =Rhododendron, p. 26.=
e.—Leaves with margins toothed.
f.—Branches armed with stiff, sharp thorns.
Leaves 1-3 inches long, serrate or doubly
serrate; fruit a small pome =Crataegus, p. 22.=
f.—Branches not armed with thorns.
g.—Base of leaf decidedly oblique.
Leaf-blade broad, heart-shaped, serrate;
fruit a spherical woody drupe
on stalks attached to an oblong
bract =Tilia, p. 25.=
Leaf-blade oval, doubly-serrate, primary
veins straight; fruit an oval
samara =Ulmus, p. 19.=
Leaves 2-4 inches long, serrate; fruit
a small sweet purple drupe =Celtis, p. 19.=
g.—Base of leaf nearly symmetrical.
h.—Teeth coarse, 2-5 to the inch.
Leaves smooth, oval, 3-5 inches
long; fruit a small bur with weak
prickles and 3-faced nuts ½-¾
inch long =Fagus, p. 17.=
Leaves 6-8 inches long; fruit a
bur with stiff prickles and 1-3
rounded, brown nuts =Castanea, p. 17.=
Leaves 2-4 inches long, broadly
ovate to sub-orbicular; fruit a
small capsule falling in spring
=Populus, p. 15.=
Leaves 4-8 inches long, lanceolate
to obovate; fruit an acorn
=Quercus, p. 17.=
Leaves wavy-toothed with sharp
spines, evergreen; fruit a small
red drupe =Ilex, p. 24.=
Leaves 4-6 inches long, oval;
fruit a short woody pod with
black seeds =Hamamelis, p. 21.=
h.—Teeth fine, 6-many to the inch.
i.—Leaves not doubly serrate.
Leaves 1½-2 inches long, nearly
as broad, tremulous on long
petioles; fruit a small capsule.
(_P. tremuloides_) =Populus, p. 15.=
Leaves 2-6 inches long, often
narrow; twigs easily separated
at the joints; fruit a small
capsule =Salix, p. 14.=
Leaves 5-7 inches long, 1½-2½
inches wide, very smooth; bark
acid; fruit a 5-valved capsule
borne in clusters
=Oxydendrum, p. 26.=
Leaves 2-5 inches long, ovate to
lanceolate; bark often bitter;
fruit a drupe =Prunus, p. 22.=
Leaves 3-4 inches long; fruit a
red berry-like pome in clusters
=Amelanchier, p. 22.=
Leaves 3-5 inches long, nearly
as wide, often heart-shaped,
sometimes 2-5-lobed; fruit oblong,
about 1 inch long, composed
of many small drupes
=Morus, p. 19.=
Leaves 3-4 inches long, often
doubly serrate or lobed on sterile
shoots; fruit a greenish-yellow
pome about 1 inch in
diameter =Pyrus, p. 21.=
Leaves 4-6 inches long, ovate-lanceolate;
fruit 1-2 inches long,
dry, 4-winged =Halesia, p. 26.=
Leaves 4-5 inches long, ovate;
fruit scarlet berry-like drupes
on short stems and scattered
along the branches (_Ilex monticola_)
=Ilex, p. 24.=
Leaves 2-5 inches long; fruit
cone-like, containing many dry
scales (_B. lenta_) =Betula, p. 16.=
i.—Leaves doubly serrate.
Leaves 2-4 inches long, thin;
fruit a small nut enclosed in a
halberd-shaped leaf-like involucre;
trunk smooth and fluted
=Carpinus, p. 16.=
Leaves 3-5 inches long; fruit
hop-like, composed of several
inflated bracts overlapping and
each containing a flat seed;
bark brown with loose scales
=Ostrya, p. 16.=
Leaves 2-4 inches long; bark
peeling off in papery scales;
fruit oblong or ovate, 1-2 inches
long, composed of numerous 3-lobed
scales, bearing winged
nuts =Betula, p. 16.=
Leaves 1-3 inches long, sometimes
serrate or lobed; twigs
armed with stiff thorns; fruit a
hard pome =Crataegus, p. 22.=
Leaves 3-4 inches long, often
serrate or lobed; fruit a sour
yellowish pome about 1 inch in
diameter =Pyrus, p. 21.=
d.—Leaves lobed.
e.—Margins of lobes entire.
Leaves oval often without lobes or with 2-3
lobes, smooth, aromatic; fruit a dark blue
drupe borne on a thickened red stem
=Sassafras, p. 21.=
Leaves broadly ovate, with truncate apex,
2 apical and 2-4 basal lobes; fruit a cone-like
aggregate of dry, lance-shaped carpels
=Liriodendron, p. 20.=
Leaves variously lobed, some with bristle-tipped
teeth; fruit an acorn =Quercus, p. 17.=
e.—Margins of lobes not entire.
Leaves thick, glossy, star-shaped, with fine
pointed serrate lobes; fruit a pendulous
spiny spherical head about 1 inch thick,
composed of numerous capsules
=Liquidambar, p. 21.=
Leaves oval, pointed, often without lobes,
thin, margins serrate or doubly serrate;
fruit a yellowish pome 1-1½ inches thick
=Pyrus, p. 21.=
Leaves oval, pointed, often without lobes,
thin, margins serrate or doubly serrate;
fruit a pome about two-fifths of an inch
thick, often red; twigs armed with thorns
=Crataegus, p. 22.=
Leaves often broadly ovate and not lobed,
sometimes with 2-5 lobes, serrate; fruit oblong,
about 1 inch long, an aggregate of
many small dark purple drupes =Morus, p. 19.=
Leaves nearly round in outline, 3-5 lobed,
coarse sinuate-toothed; fruit a round pendulous
head 1 inch thick; composed of many
hairy achenes =Platanus, p. 21.=
c.—Leaves opposite.
d.—Leaf margins entire or slightly undulate.
Leaves 3-5 inches long, ovate; fruit a bright red
ovoid drupe, two-fifths inch long in small
bunches =Cornus, p. 25.=
Leaves 4-8 inches long, ovate; fruit a dark blue
ovoid drupe, ¾ of an inch long, in drooping,
loose clusters =Chionanthus, p. 27.=
d.—Leaf margins not entire.
Leaves 3-5 lobed, finely or coarsely toothed,
fruit a drooping samara =Acer, p. 24.=
Leaves not lobed, 1-3 inches long, oval, finely
toothed; fruit a dark blue drupe borne in
clusters =Viburnum, p. 27.=
a.—Leaves compound.
b.—Leaves alternate.
c.—Margins of leaflets entire.
Leaves pinnate, 8-14 inches long; fruit a pod 2-4
inches long; limbs bearing short spines in pairs at
the nodes =Robinia, p. 23.=
Leaves 3-foliate; fruit a samara, winged all around,
in drooping clusters =Ptelea, p. 23.=
Leaves pinnate with 9-21 leaflets; fruit small, red
or white dry drupes in dense upright or loose
drooping clusters =Rhus, p. 23.=
c.—Margins of leaflets not entire.
Leaves pinnate with 11-23 serrate leaflets; fruit a
large sculptured nut =Juglans, p. 15.=
Leaves odd-pinnate, with 3-11 leaflets; fruit a
smooth or angled nut =Carya, p. 15.=
Leaves odd-pinnate, with 13-17 lance-shaped leaflets;
fruit a small red acid pome, borne many in a
flat-topped cluster. (_Pyrus Americana_) =Pyrus, p. 21.=
Leaves doubly compound with many ovate serrate
leaflets; fruit a small ovoid black berry in large
branching clusters; twigs and trunk armed with
sharp spines =Aralia, p. 25.=
b.—Leaves opposite.
c.—Leaves pinnate, fruit a samara.
Leaflets, 3-5, samaras paired =Acer, p. 24.=
Leaflets, 5-11, samaras, not paired =Fraxinus, p. 26.=
c.—Leaves digitate, fruit a globular capsule containing
large brown nuts =Aesculus, p. 25.=
PINACEAE—THE PINE FAMILY
The Pine family comprises nearly 300 species belonging to 34 genera,
distributed principally in temperate regions throughout the world. This
family is of great economic importance, supplying a larger quantity of
lumber than any other family as well as enormous amounts of tannin,
turpentine, resin, tar and pitch. Many of its members also are highly
useful for ornamental purposes.
The leaves of the trees and shrubs belonging to the Pine family are
needle-shaped, awl-shaped, or scale-like, and are usually persistent
for more than one year, the American Larch or Tamarack being the only
exception to this rule in West Virginia. The seeds are borne either in
true cones, or in berry-like fruits such as are produced on the cedars.
The following are the genera of Pinaceae represented in West Virginia:
=Pinus=.—Of the 34 species of pines native to North America only 5
are found in West Virginia. These are described and illustrated on
following pages. Besides the native pines several introduced species
are planted on lawns and in parks. The most common of the exotics are
Red Pine (_Pinus resinosa_, Ait.) and Scotch Pine (_Pinus sylvestris_,
L.), the former having smooth cones about 2 inches long and leaves 4-6
inches long, two in a bundle, and the latter having cones 1½-2½ inches
long, and leaves 1½-3½ inches long, two in a bundle.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PINUS
Leaves 5 in a cluster; cones smooth, 4-10 inches long =P. strobus, p. 29.=
Leaves fewer than 5 in a cluster; cones less than 4 inches long.
Leaves 3 in a cluster; cones with prickles =P. rigida, p. 31.=
Leaves 2 in a cluster.
Leaves stiff, sharp-pointed, 2-4 inches long; cones 2-4 inches
long with very thick sharp spines =P. pungens, p. 33.=
Leaves twisted 1½-3½ inches long; cones 2-3 inches long;
scales terminated with prickles =P. virginiana, p. 37.=
Leaves slender, not twisted, 3-4 inches long, often 3 in a cluster,
especially near the ends of twigs =P. echinata, p. 35.=
=Larix=, (page 39).—There are 10 known species of Larches found
principally in the colder regions of the northern hemisphere. Three of
these are indigenous to North America and one extends as far south as
the northern part of West Virginia. Unlike most of the members of the
Pine family the Larches shed their leaves each fall. The European Larch
(_Larix decidua_, Mill.) is frequently planted for ornamental purposes.
It can be distinguished from the native species by its much larger
cones.
=Picea=, (page 41).—Eight of the 18 or 20 known species of Spruces are
native to North America and one species is found in West Virginia. The
2 introduced Spruces most commonly planted are Norway Spruce (_Picea
Abies_, (L.) Karst.) and Colorado Blue Spruce (_Picea pungens_, Engl.).
The Norway Spruce can be distinguished from our native species by its
much larger cones, and the Colorado Blue Spruce by its blue-green
foliage.
=Tsuga=, (page 43).—This genus comprises 8 species, 4 of which grow in
Asia and 4 in North America. One of the 2 Eastern Hemlocks is common in
West Virginia, the other (_Tsuga caroliniana_, Engl.) grows from the
mountains of Virginia south to Georgia.
=Abies=, (page 45).—The 25 known species of Firs are found principally
in cold and temperate regions. Of the 10 species in North America only
2 are found east of the Rocky Mountains and 1 in West Virginia. The
other Eastern Fir is _Abies balsamea_, (L.) Mill, which does not extend
southward into this State.
=Thuja=, (page 47).—Four species of Arbor Vitae are known, 2 of which
are native to North America, one in the West and the other in the East.
The limited distribution in West Virginia of the latter is given on the
page describing this species.
=Juniperus=, (page 49).—This is a large genus comprising 40 trees and
shrubs. Of these, 16 species are found in North America. Red Cedar,
described in this bulletin, is common in West Virginia and _Juniperus
communis_, (L.) has been reported from Wood, Mineral and Fayette
counties.
Other members of the Pine family which may be seen occasionally planted
on lawns in West Virginia are the following:
White Cedar (_Chamaecyparis thyoides_, (L.) B.S.P.)
Bald Cypress (_Taxodium distichum_, Rich.)
Ginkgo Tree (_Ginkgo biloba_, (L.)) and several other species and
varieties of Junipers, Pines, Spruces, and Yews.
SALICACEAE—THE WILLOW FAMILY
The Willow family, which includes also the Poplars, comprises about
200 species, a large proportion of which are distributed in temperate
and arctic zones. Several shrubby species extend far into the arctic
regions.
On the whole this family is not important commercially, but with the
disappearance of the more valuable kinds of trees the rapid-growing and
easily-propagated Willows and Poplars are receiving more attention.
The 2 genera belonging to this family are given below:
=Salix=, (page 51).—This genus comprises no fewer than 175 known
species, 100 of which are native to North America. The following
species are reported from West Virginia: _S. nigra_, Marsh., _S.
amygdaloides_, Aud., _S. discolor_, Muhl., _S. humilis_, Marsh., _S.
cericea_, Marsh. and _S. cordata_, Muhl. Doubtless several other
species occur in the State. The task of determining the different
species of Willows is one for the specialist who has devoted much
time to their study. For this reason only one species, the common
Black Willow of our stream banks, is described and illustrated in this
bulletin. The most common introduced Willows are the well-known Weeping
Willow (_Salix babylonica_, (L.)) and a yellow-twigged variety of the
White Willow (_Salix alba_, var. _vitellina_, (L.) Koch.).
=Populus=.—The species of Poplars and Aspens number 27 of which 19
are native to North America and 3 to West Virginia. White Poplar
(_P. alba_, (L.)) and Balm of Gilead (_P. candicans_, Ait.) are the
principal introduced species planted in the State.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF POPULUS
Leaves broadly deltoid, acuminate, marginal teeth somewhat incurved;
trees of stream banks and extensively planted along
streets =P. deltoides, p. 57.=
Leaves ovate to sub-orbicular.
Leaves coarsely sinuate-toothed, 3-5 inches long
=P. grandidentata, p. 55.=
Leaves finely serrate, less than 3 inches long =P. tremuloides, p. 53.=
JUGLANDACEAE—THE WALNUT FAMILY
The Walnut family, with its 6 genera and 35 species, is represented
in North America by 2 genera (Juglans and Carya) and 19 species. This
family is a very important one, contributing much of the costliest and
most durable timber as well as large quantities of edible nuts. The
wood of Black Walnut is especially adapted to fine cabinet work and
that of the Hickories to the manufacture of vehicles, handles, etc.,
where strength and flexibility are desired.
=Juglans=.—The 15 species comprising this genus are found principally
in the north temperate zone. Five species are native to North America
and two are found in West Virginia. The English Walnut (_Juglans
regia_, (L.)) which has been introduced and widely planted in the
United States yields the valuable Circassian Walnut woods used in
the manufacture of fine furniture as well as the walnuts sold in our
markets.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF JUGLANS
Leaflets 11-17, often viscid-hairy; pith chocolate-brown; fruit
elongated, sticky-hairy =J. cinerea, p. 59.=
Leaflets 13-23, not viscid-hairy; pith cream-colored; fruit globose, not
sticky-hairy =J. nigra, p. 61.=
=Carya=.—The Hickory species number about 10, all of which are native
to that part of North America lying east of the Rock mountains. At
least 5 of these are found in West Virginia. _Carya microcarpa_, Nutt.,
not described herein is reported from Fayette County.
The Pecan Hickory (_Carya illinoencis_ (Wang.) K. K.), a southern
species prized for its nuts, is occasionally planted.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CARYA
a. Bark of trunk not deeply furrowed or shaggy; husk of fruit less
than ⅛ inch thick.
Leaflets usually 5-7, glabrous beneath; the upper 2-2½
inches broad; kernel of nut sweet =C. glabra, p. 69.=
Leaflets usually 7-11, somewhat downy beneath, the upper
1-1½ inches broad; kernel of nut bitter =C. cordiformis, p. 71.=
a. Bark of trunk deeply furrowed or shaggy; husk of fruit more than
⅛ inch thick.
Leaflets 5-7, scurfy or pubescent; bark rough but not
shaggy; buds densely hairy =C. alba, p. 67.=
Leaflets usually 7; nuts 1¼-2 inches long, pointed at both
ends, dull white; bark shaggy =C. laciniosa, p. 65.=
Leaflets usually 5; nuts smaller, rounded or notched at
the base, white, thin-shelled; bark shaggy =C. ovata, p. 63.=
BETULACEAE—THE BIRCH FAMILY
The 6 genera and about 75 species belonging to this family are
principally confined to the higher latitudes of the northern
hemisphere. In North America there are 5 genera and about 30 species,
of which the 5 genera and at least 9 species grow in West Virginia. The
Common Hazelnut (_Corylus americana_, Walt.) and the Beaked Hazelnut
(_Corylus rostrata_, Ait.) are both common shrubs of the State. The
Smooth Alder (_Alnus rugosa_, (DuRoi) Spreng.) and the Hoary Alder
(_Alnus incana_, (L.) Moench.) are both to be found, the former
abundant along our streams, and the latter rare in upland swamps.
_Alnus alnobetula_ (Ehrh.) K K. is also reported from Greenbrier,
Fayette, and Randolph counties.
This family produces products of great value. The wood of Birches is
used extensively for furniture and interior finish, and for fuel. Black
Birch supplies a volatile oil of considerable importance. The wood of
some of the Alders is becoming valuable on account of its use in the
manufacture of gunpowder, and the fruits of the Hazelnuts bring a good
price on the market. The following are our tree genera:
=Ostrya=, (page 73).—Four species of Hop Hornbeam or Ironwood are
known, 2 being found in North America. One of these is limited in its
range to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, in Arizona; the other is
widely distributed and is common locally in West Virginia.
=Carpinus=, (page 75).—Eleven species of Hornbeams are native to
Asia and Europe and only 1 species is found in North America. This is
abundant in most parts of West Virginia.
=Betula=.—This genus comprises 25 known species of trees and 10
species of shrubs. About 15 of these are native to North America and
3 to West Virginia. Besides our native species the Gray Birch (_Betula
populifolia_, Marsh.) and varieties of White Birch (_Betula alba_, L.)
are often planted for ornamental purposes.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF BETULA
Bark of the trunk light-colored with thin layers curling or peeling off.
Outer bark yellowish, fruits usually sessile; leaves usually rounded
at base; twigs with slight wintergreen taste =B. lutea, p. 79.=
Outer bark reddish-brown, inner bark tinged with red; fruits on
slender stalks; leaves usually wedge-shaped at base; not
aromatic =B. nigra, p. 81.=
Bark of trunk rough, dark gray, without thin outer layers; bark of
twigs with wintergreen taste =B. lenta, p. 77.=
FAGACEAE—THE BEECH FAMILY
There are 6 genera and about 400 species of trees and shrubs belonging
to the Beech family of which 5 genera and about 60 species are native
to North America. Fourteen species of Oaks, 2 species of Chestnuts, and
1 species of Beech occur in West Virginia.
This large family is second in importance only to the Pine family and
in some respects surpasses it. Nearly all its members, especially the
various kinds of oaks, produce wood of superior quality and adapted to
a great variety of uses.
=Fagus=, (page 83).—This genus comprises, in the world, 5 species,
only 1 of which is found native in America. The others are Asiatic and
European species. The European Beech (_Fagus sylvatica_, L.), and its
varieties having purple leaves, cut leaves or pendent branches are
often planted for ornamental purposes.
=Castanea=, (pp. 85, 87).—Of the 5 or more species of chestnuts
belonging to this genus, none is found in the western part of North
America and 3 species are native to the eastern part of the United
States. _Castanea alnifolia_, Nutt., is a shrub found in the southern
Atlantic states. The European Chestnut (_Castanea sativa_), the
Japanese Chestnut (_Castanea Japonica_) and the Chinese Chestnut
(_Castanea mollissima_) are all planted in this country for their
nuts. The Japanese and Chinese species are more or less resistant to
the chestnut bark disease and for this reason they and their hybrids
with our native species are likely to receive much attention from
nut-growers. The common Chestnut and the Chinquapin, both of which are
natives of West Virginia, may be exterminated by the disease mentioned
above.
=Quercus=.—The Oak genus comprises 300 known species in the world. Of
these about 55 are indigenous to North America and 14 to West Virginia.
The Oaks belong to two classes, namely, those that mature their acorns
in one season and those that mature them in two. The West Virginia
species are grouped below according to their classes:
White Oak Class:
1.—White Oak (_Quercus alba_).
2.—Post Oak (_Quercus stellata_).
3.—Bur Oak (_Quercus macrocarpa_).
4.—Swamp White Oak (_Quercus bicolor_).
5.—Yellow Oak (_Quercus Muhlenbergii_).
6.—Chestnut Oak (_Quercus Prinus_).
Black Oak Class:
1.—Red Oak (_Quercus rubra_).
2.—Pin Oak (_Quercus palustris_).
3.—Scarlet Oak (_Quercus coccinea_).
4.—Black Oak (_Quercus velutina_).
5.—Spanish Oak (_Quercus falcata_).
6.—Scrub Oak (_Quercus ilicifolia_).
7.—Black Jack Oak (_Quercus marilandica_).
8.—Laurel Oak (_Quercus imbricaria_).
The following key will assist in distinguishing the species.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF QUERCUS
a. Apex of leaves or their lobes sharp-pointed, usually bristle tipped;
acorn maturing at end of second season.
b. Leaves entire, not lobed.
Leaves often pubescent beneath =Q. imbricaria, p. 115.=
b. Leaves lobed.
Leaves very broad toward apex, with shallow lobes,
brownish tomentose beneath =Q. marilandica, p. 113.=
Leaves not uniform, lobes usually long and lanceolate,
often scythe-shaped =Q. falcata, p. 109.=
Leaves 2-5 inches long, densely white pubescent beneath;
tree small, often a shrub =Q. ilicifolia, p. 111.=
Leaves with sinuses extending not over half way to the
mid-rib, dull green above; inner bark pinkish; acorn
cup saucer-shaped =Q. rubra, p. 101.=
Leaves of upper branches similar in shape to those of
_Q. rubra_ but bright green above; those on lower limbs
and young trees often with lobes rounded; inner bark
yellow; acorn cup top-shaped =Q. velutina, p. 107.=
Leaves with sinuses extending at least ⅔ of the way to
mid-rib; acorn cup large and top-shaped =Q. coccinea, p. 105.=
Leaves similar to those of _Q. coccinea_ but with acorn
cup small and saucer-shaped; a tree of low grounds
with lower branches drooping =Q. palustris, p. 103.=
a. Apex of leaves or their lobes without bristle tips usually rounded;
acorns maturing at end of first season.
b. Leaves not deeply lobed.
Leaves coarsely sinuate-crenate; acorns on stems 1-3
inches long; bark of branches with papery scales
turning back =Q. bicolor, p. 95.=
Leaves coarsely crenate-toothed; acorns 1-1½ inches long,
glossy, cup deep and thin; bark of trunk deeply furrowed,
dark gray or black =Q. Prinus, p. 99.=
Leaves equally and sharply coarse-toothed; acorns less
than an inch long; bark of tree not deeply furrowed,
light gray, resembling that of White Oak
=Q. Muhlenbergii, p. 97.=
b. Leaves deeply lobed.
Leaves 6-12 inches long, cut near the middle almost to
mid-rib by two opposite rounded sinuses, 5-7 lobed,
the terminal lobe large; acorn ¾-1½ inches long; cup
deep, fringed around the outer rim =Q. macrocarpa, p. 93.=
Leaves thick, leathery, usually 5-lobed, bright yellow-green
above; acorns small, inch long
=Q. stellata, p. 91.=
Leaves 3-9 lobed, medium thin; acorn ¾-1¼ inches
long =Q. alba, p. 89.=
URTICACEAE—THE NETTLE FAMILY
The trees and shrubs alone belonging to the Nettle family number 1000
or more, most of which are tropical. The herbaceous representatives of
this family in West Virginia are mostly unimportant weeds, but the 3
genera and 4 species of trees have considerable commercial value and
are attractive ornamentally.
=Ulmus=, (pp. 117, 119).—There are about 15 known species of Elms of
which 6 are native in North America and 3 in West Virginia. The English
Elm (_Ulmus campestris_, L.) is planted for ornamental purposes. The
Cork Elm (_Ulmus racemosa_, Thomas) is reported from Summers, Monroe,
and Randolph counties.
=Celtis=, (page 121).—There are about 60 species of Hackberries, 9
being natives of North America and 2 natives of West Virginia. Besides
the species herein described _Celtis pumila_, Pursh, a shrubby variety,
grows at Harpers Ferry and other stations in the eastern part of the
State.
=Morus=, (page 123).—About 10 species of Mulberries are known, of
which 3 are native to North America and 1 to West Virginia. The White
Mulberry (_Morus alba_, L.) a native of Asia, introduced to furnish
food for silk worms, has become established in many sections.
The Osage Orange (_Maclura pomifera_, (Raf.) Sch.), a member of this
family found native in the southwestern states, has been introduced
into many sections where it is planted for hedges.
Paper Mulberry (_Broussonetia papyrifera_, Vent.), a Japanese species,
is reported from Jefferson, Berkeley, Kanawha, and other counties.
The Common Fig Tree (_Ficus Carica_, L.) is occasionally found in the
eastern part of the State where it has been planted.
MAGNOLIACEAE—THE MAGNOLIA FAMILY
The Magnolia family, comprising about 10 genera and 85 species of trees
and shrubs, is represented in North America by 4 genera, two of which
contain only shrubs. The other two include the valuable Magnolias and
Tulip Tree which not only produce large quantities of choice lumber but
are among the most desirable of our ornamental trees.
=Magnolia=, (pp. 125, 127, 129).—Most of the 25 species of Magnolias
are tropical only one venturing as far north as southern Canada.
Three species are native in West Virginia. _Magnolia virginiana_, a
fragrant-flowered species growing farther east and south, is sometimes
planted in West Virginia but is not hardy. Several shrubby and
arborescent Chinese and Japanese species are also grown for ornamental
use.
=Liriodendron=, (page 131).—The Chinese _Liriodendron chinensis_ and
our common Tulip Tree are the only known species belonging to this
genus.
ANONACEAE—THE CUSTARD APPLE FAMILY
This family is essentially tropical, only a few of the 600 species
being found in temperate regions. It has 2 genera, _Asimina_ (page
133) and _Anona_, the former having 5 species of shrubs in the south
Atlantic and Gulf states, and one tree growing in the eastern half of
the United States. _Anona_ is a tropical genus.
The trees of this family are small and the wood has no commercial
value. The fruit of our Common Pawpaw is sweet and edible, but to many
persons distasteful. The tree is highly ornamental and interesting when
growing singly or in groups.
LAURACEAE—THE LAUREL FAMILY
The Laurel family, with about 40 genera and nearly 1000 species, is
represented in North America by 6 genera, of which 4 are arborescent.
Most of the species are tropical. The 2 genera represented in West
Virginia are _Sassafras_, (page 135) and _Benzoin_, the latter having 1
shrubby species, the common Spice Bush. The Sassafras described herein
is the only member of this genus in North America. Another species is
found in China.
The members of this family are aromatic trees and shrubs, none of
which is important as a wood producer. Some of them possess medicinal
properties and all have ornamental value.
=HAMAMELIDACEAE—THE WITCH HAZEL FAMILY=
The Witch Hazel family comprises about 18 genera with 50 species most
of which are native in Asia, South Africa and North America. Of the 3
North American genera 2 are arborescent. The genus _Hamamelis_ (page
137) has 2 species in Asia and 1 herein described. _Liquidambar_ (page
139) also comprises 2 Asiatic and 1 North American species, the latter
being found in West Virginia.
The species produce hard, dark-colored and handsome wood.
PLATANACEAE—THE PLANE TREE FAMILY
The Plane Tree family has a single genus. _Platanus_, (page 141) with
about 7 species, 3 of which are native to North America and 1 to West
Virginia. Of the exotic species the Old World _Platanus orientalis_, L.
is frequently planted along streets for shade.
ROSACEAE—THE ROSE FAMILY
The Rose family with about 90 genera and 1,500 species is one of the
largest and most important families of plants, including the apple,
pear, cherry, plum, quince, raspberry, blackberry, and strawberry.
About 90 species, 30 or more of which are trees, are found in West
Virginia. The genera which include our tree species are given below:
=Pyrus=, (pp. 143, 145).—This genus comprises about 40 species of
trees and shrubs, 10 of which are native to North America and 2 or
more to West Virginia. The apple and pear, introduced from Europe,
are placed by some authors under the genus _Malus_, and Mountain Ash
under the genus _Sorbus_. The latter is included under Pyrus in this
bulletin. The European Mountain Ash (_Pyrus aucuparia_, (L.) Ehrh.) is
often planted for ornamental purposes.
=Amelanchier=, (page 147).—The Juneberry species number about 30.
About 23 of these are found in North America, 6 of which attain tree
size. Besides the species described herein, variety _botryapium_ has
been reported from Preston County and a specimen collected in Tucker
County has been pronounced by Dr. C. S. Sargent as the recently-named
_Amelanchier laeris_. A shrubby species (_Amelanchier oligocarpa_,
(Michx.) Roem.) is found in Tucker and Pocahontas counties.
=Crataegus=, (pp. 149, 151).—A few species of this genus occur
in Europe and Asia, but most of them are native to North America.
About 700 species of Thorns have been described. According to some
authorities there are fewer species than have been described, while
others affirm there are many yet to be found. Millspaugh’s Flora of
West Virginia lists 22 species, and the writer has collected several
additional species that have been examined and identified by Eggleston
and others. Because the Thorns are of little commercial importance and
are very difficult to identify only 2 species are described in this
bulletin.
=Prunus=.—This genus includes the Plums and Cherries. Of the 100 or
more species distributed in Asia, Europe and America, about 30 are
native in the United States, and 4 or 5 are found in West Virginia.
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PRUNUS
a. Fruit in long racemose clusters.
Leaves 2-5 inches long; fruit purplish-black =P. serotina, p. 153.=
Leaves 2-4 inches long; fruit dark crimson =P. virginiana, p. 155.=
a. Fruit in 4-5 fruited, umbel-like bunches.
Leaves lanceolate, thin, 3-5 inches long; fruit ¼ inch in
diameter, light red =P. pennsylvanica, p. 157.=
Leaves obovate, thick, rough above, 1½-4 inches long; fruit
1 inch in diameter, red or yellow =P. americana, p. 159.=
LEGUMINOSAE—THE PULSE FAMILY
The Pulse family embraces over 400 genera with about 7,350 species of
trees, shrubs, and herbs. Out of this number 100 genera with about
1,400 species are found in North America, and about 25 genera with 65
species are recorded for West Virginia. Only 3 genera with 3 species in
this State can be classified as trees.
=Gleditsia=, (page 161).—About 11 species belonging to this genus are
distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia and eastern North
America, 3 of which are native to the south-central and eastern parts
of the United States. One is found in West Virginia.
=Cercis=, (page 163).—This genus includes 7 species of small trees
and shrubs distributed in parts of Europe, Asia and North America, 3
of which are found in the United States and one in West Virginia. The
genus is of little commercial importance.
=Robinia=, (page 165).—- This is an American genus containing 7
species, 4 of which are shrubs, one tree species being found in West
Virginia. Locusts have been introduced into Europe where they are
widely planted. The Rose Acacia (_Robinia hispida_, L.) is occasionally
planted for ornamental purposes.
The Kentucky Coffee tree (_Gymnocladus dioica_, (L.) Koch.) has been
planted in many sections of the State, and is reported by Millspaugh as
native in Randolph and Webster counties.
RUTACEAE—THE RUE FAMILY
This large family is confined chiefly to the Old World and the
southern hemisphere, and is largely made up of herbs. Four genera
have tree representatives in the United States. The species are not
commercially valuable. _Ptelea_ (page 167) is the only genus native to
West Virginia. Prickly Ash (_Zanthoxylum americanum_, Mill.) grows in
Monongalia, Jefferson, and Taylor counties, probably as an introduced
species.
SIMARUBACEAE—THE QUASSIA FAMILY
The Tree of Heaven (_Ailanthus glandulosa_, Desf.), introduced from
Asia, has been extensively planted along streets and on lawns from
which it has escaped in many places.
ANACARDIACEAE—THE CASHEW FAMILY
The Cashew or Sumach family is mainly tropical comprising about 50
genera with 500 species of trees, shrubs and woody vines. Its members
are not valuable as wood producers but in many cases they have
commercial importance on account of their acrid, milky, or resinous
juice, used in medicine, tanning, and the manufacture of varnishes and
resins, and on account of their attractive appearance when planted
as ornaments. The genus _Rhus_, (pp. 169, 171, 173) is the only one
native to Northeastern America. There are 120 known species of _Rhus_,
about 16 of which are found in North America and 6 in West Virginia.
Besides those described in this bulletin the following shrubby species
grow wild in the State: Smooth Sumach (_Rhus glabra_, L.), Poison Ivy
(_Rhus Toxicodendron_, L.) and Fragrant Sumach (_Rhus canadensis_,
Marsh.)
The Smoke Tree (_Rhus Cotinus_, L.), an introduced tree, is planted on
lawns.
AQUIFOLIACEAE—THE HOLLY FAMILY
The Holly family with 5 genera and nearly 300 species is distributed in
temperate and tropical regions of both hemispheres. _Ilex_, (pp. 175,
177) which is represented in West Virginia by 4 species of small trees
and shrubs, is the only genus of this family which is important in
number of species or is widely distributed. Our hollies, not described
herein, are Winterberry (_Ilex verticillata_, (L.) Gray), a low shrub
common in high swamps; and a rare shrubby species with long-stalked
fruits (_Ilex longipes_ Chapm.) recently collected in Randolph County.
_Nemopanthus mucronata_, (L.) Trel., also a member of this family, is a
common shrub growing at high altitudes in this State.
ACERACEAE—THE MAPLE FAMILY
This family includes only 2 genera, one of which (_Dipternia_) contains
a single Chinese species. The genus _Acer_ comprises about 70 species
distributed principally in the northern hemisphere. There are 13
species native to the United States, 6 of which are found in West
Virginia.
The maples not only produce much valuable wood but are used more
extensively than any other group for ornamental purposes. The principal
exotic species are Norway Maple (_Acer platanoides_, L.), and Sycamore
Maple (_Acer Pseudo-Platanus_, L.).
The following key will be of use in distinguishing the species:
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ACER
a. Leaves simple.
b. Leaf sinuses acute at base.
Leaf-lobes long and narrow, leaves silvery white beneath;
fruit in pairs, each key 1-2 inches long, falling in
May =A. saccharinum, p. 187.=
Leaf-lobes short and broad, leaves white-downy beneath,
3-lobed; fruit small, several, persistent till fall, in long
drooping clusters; a small tree or shrub =A. spicatum, p. 181.=
Leaves whitish and nearly glabrous beneath, 3-5 lobed,
lobes broad and short; fruit in small clusters, falling
in early summer =A. rubrum, p. 189.=
b. Leaf sinuses rounded at base, leaves 3-lobed, finely and
evenly toothed; fruit several in drooping racemes; a
small tree or shrub with striped bark
=A. pennsylvanicum, p. 179.=
Leaves usually 5-lobed (or 3-lobed in variety nigrum, p.
185), the lobes sparingly wavy-toothed; fruit in small
clusters, persisting until fall; a large tree
=A. saccharum, p. 183.=
a. Leaves compound; twigs greenish; fruit in long drooping racemes
=A. negundo, p. 191.=
SAPINDACEAE—THE SOAPBERRY FAMILY
This family embraces 100 genera and about 1000 species, chiefly
tropical in the Old World. Six genera of trees occur in North America.
The genus _Aesculus_, (pp. 193, 195) comprises 14 species, 10 of which
are found in America and 2 in West Virginia. No other genus of this
family is represented in the flora of the State. The Horse Chestnut
(_Aesculus Hippocastanum_, L.) is a common introduced species.
TILIACEAE—THE LINDEN FAMILY
The Linden family with about 35 genera and over 300 species is chiefly
tropical, having more representatives in the southern than in the
northern hemisphere. Of the 3 North American genera only one (_Tilia_)
is arborescent. Of the 8 species of _Tilia_ (pp. 197, 199) found in
North America 2 are native to West Virginia. The European Linden
(_Tilia Europea_, L.) is occasionally planted.
ARALIACEAE—THE GINSENG FAMILY
This family having about 50 genera with over 400 species is chiefly
tropical, though widely distributed in other parts of the world. The
genus _Aralia_ (page 201) contains the only tree species in North
America. This is common in West Virginia.
CORNACEAE—THE DOGWOOD FAMILY
The Dogwood family, with 15 genera, is widely distributed in temperate
regions. _Cornus_ (pp. 203, 205) and _Nyssa_ (page 207) are the only
genera having tree representatives in North America. Of the 40 known
species of _Cornus_ 15 are native to North America and 7 to West
Virginia. The shrubby species are listed on page 234. _Nyssa_ comprises
7 known species, 5 of which are found in North America and 1 in this
State.
ERICACEAE—THE HEATH FAMILY
The Heath family with its 90 genera and 1,400 species is widely
distributed in tropical and temperate regions. Of the 40 genera found
in the United States 7 have tree representatives. The flora of West
Virginia comprises about 22 genera and 40 species belonging to this
family. Many of these are shrubs, the names of which are given in the
list of native shrubs beginning on page 232.
Three small trees belonging to the following genera are described
herein.
=Rhododendron=, (page 209).—This genus embraces about 100 species
of shrubs and small trees in the Northern hemisphere besides a large
number in the southern. Of the 17 or more species native to North
America only 1 reaches tree size. In addition to the species described
herein the flora of the State embraces the Mountain Rose Bay (_R.
catawbiense_, Michx.) and several species of Azaleas.
=Kalmia=, (page 211).—The genus _Kalmia_ includes about 5 species
in North America, 2 of which are found in West Virginia. _Kalmia
angustifolia_, L. is a rare shrub reported from several counties in the
State.
=Oxydendrum=, (page 213).—This genus contains a single species, the
Sour-wood, described in this bulletin.
EBENACEAE—THE EBONY FAMILY