206. WILLOW (_Salix nigra_ Marsh.) the black willow is probably the only
native species growing in the county. The weeping willow (_Salix
babylonica_) has not been observed growing in the county except where
planted. Willows grow close to water or in low ground, are very common
and grow very rapidly where they have an abundant supply of water; very
valuable in checking soil erosion as their roots help to hold the soil
in place. Leaves: simple, alternate, 3 to 6 inches long, ⅛ to ¾ wide,
acuminate, with fine, incurved serrations. Bark: rough, shaggy on old
trees, usually light brown. Twigs: conspicuously yellowish orange in
winter, smooth or glossy, very slender. Flowers: in catkins, yellowish,
dioecious. Fruit: cottony-covered seeds. Wood: soft, light, weak, used
for a special charcoal in manufacturing gunpowder, some species for
artificial limbs.
207. COTTONWOOD (_Populus deltoides_ var. _virginiana_ Sudw.) common,
large tree, also called Carolina poplar. Habitat: prefers lowlands and
stream banks although will grow in dry soil. Leaves: simple, alternate,
3 to 5 inches each way, commonly glossy on both sides, broad and
straight across at the base, coarsely toothed or crenate, stems
flattened. Bark: thick, light gray, deeply furrowed on trunks to smooth
and yellowish green on branches. Twigs: stout, greenish yellow to pale
gray, smooth; lenticels large, pale, lengthwise; buds large, scales very
sticky-resinous. Flowers: staminate are red catkins, pistillate greenish
yellow, dioecious. Fruit: cottony-covered seeds. Wood: soft, light
weight, warps easily but cheap because of rapid growth of tree; new
methods of rapid kiln-drying have lessened warping.