Michigan Trees: A Handbook Of The Native And Most Important Introduced Species
Charles Herbert Otis
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118 chapters
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The idea of a bulletin on Michigan trees was first suggested by Prof. Volney M. Spalding. It was thought that a bulletin devoted entirely to the study of certain phases of tree life in Michigan would stimulate interest in the study of our trees, and influence many more people to associate themselves with the growing number of tree lovers and with the supporters of the movement for better forest conditions in the state. The bulletin has been under consideration for a number of years and much of t
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Grateful acknowledgment is hereby made to Miss Sarah Phelps, who has done most of the inking in and given life to the author’s pencil-drawings; to Mr. J. H. Ehlers for his valuable assistance in the preparation of many of the drawings and in the collection of working material; to Prof. Henri Hus, who has read all of the proof and who has at various times rendered valuable assistance; to Prof. F. C. Newcombe and to Prof. Ernst Bessey for the loan of sheets, from the herbariums of the University o
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HOW TO STUDY THE TREES
HOW TO STUDY THE TREES
People are everywhere associated with trees. Trees give cooling shade in our parks and dooryards and along our highways; they lend their beauty to the landscape and relieve it of monotony; they yield many kinds of fruits, some of which furnish man and the animals of the forest with food; and they furnish vast quantities of lumber for a multitude of uses. How important it is, then, that every person, whether school-child or grown-up, should become acquainted with our trees. Most people know a few
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ARTIFICIAL KEYS, HOW MADE AND USED
ARTIFICIAL KEYS, HOW MADE AND USED
An artificial key is a scheme for easily and quickly identifying any unknown object under consideration. This bulletin being devoted to the trees of Michigan, the keys to be found herein are intended to make it possible for any person, even if his botanical training be meager, to determine what trees grow about any home or farm, city park or woodlot in the state. With certain modifications and limitations they may prove useful in other localities as well. Since many people are unfamiliar with th
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SUMMER AND WINTER KEYS TO THE SPECIES
SUMMER AND WINTER KEYS TO THE SPECIES
Ginkgo. Maidenhair Tree...
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GINKGOACEAE
GINKGOACEAE
HABIT.—A slender tree in youth, with slender, upright branches, becoming broader with age and forming a symmetrical, pyramidal crown; probably 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet. LEAVES.—Clustered at the ends of short, spur-like shoots, or scattered alternately on the long terminal branches; simple; 2-5 inches broad; more or less fan-shaped; usually bilobed and irregularly crenate at the upper extremity; thin and leathery; glabrous, pale yellow-green on both sides; petioles long,
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PINUS
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PINUS
  White Pine...
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet; forming a wide, pyramidal crown. Formerly trees 100-150 feet in height and 5-7 feet in trunk diameter were not exceptional. LEAVES.—In clusters of five; 3-5 inches long; slender, straight, needle-shaped, 3-sided, mucronate; pale blue-green. Persistent about 2 years. FLOWERS.—June; monoecious; the staminate oval, light brown, about 1/3 inch long, surrounded by 6-8 involucral bracts; the pistillate cylindrical, about 1/4 inch
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—Usually a small tree 20-30 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 8-12 inches; forming a crown varying from open and symmetrical to scrubby, stunted, and variously distorted. LEAVES.—In clusters of two; about 1 inch long; narrow-linear, with sharp-pointed apex; stout, curved or twisted, divergent from a short sheath; dark gray-green. Persistent 2-3 years. FLOWERS.—May-June; monoecious; the staminate in oblong clusters 1/2 inch long, composed of many sessile, yellow anthers imbricated upon a
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet; forming a massive, spreading crown of stiff, strong branches. LEAVES.—In clusters of two; 3-6 inches long; slender, rigid, sharp-pointed, curved towards the twig; deep green on both faces. Persistent 3-6 years. FLOWERS.—May-June; monoecious; the staminate cylindrical, subsessile, bright yellow, about 3/4 inch long; the pistillate cylindrical, small, bright red, subsessile. FRUIT.—Autumn of first season, opening two years aft
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; the side branches persist, forming a massive, wide-spreading crown. LEAVES.—In clusters of two; 1-1/2-3 inches long; stiff, more or less twisted, spreading slightly from a short sheath; bluish- or often glaucous-green. Persistent 3-4 years. FLOWERS.—May-June; monoecious; the staminate ovoid, short-stalked, yellowish, about 1/4 inch long; the pistillate oblong, reddish, short-stalked, about 1/4 inch long. FRUIT.—Autumn of sec
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 70-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; stout, horizontal branches, form a broad, rounded, rather open crown. LEAVES.—In clusters of two; 4-6 inches long; slender, straight, needle-shaped, sharp-pointed, flexible, from elongated, persistent sheaths; lustrous dark green. Persistent 4-5 years. FLOWERS.—April-May; monoecious; the staminate in oblong, dense clusters, 1/2-3/4 inch long, composed of many sessile, purple anthers imbricated upon a central axis; the pistil
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A tree sometimes 80-100 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; forming a broad, open, irregular crown of horizontal branches. LEAVES.—Scattered singly along the leading shoots or clustered on the short lateral branchlets; linear, with blunt apex; rounded above, keeled beneath; about 1 inch long; bright green; sessile. Deciduous in early autumn. FLOWERS.—April-May, with the leaves, monoecious; the staminate sessile, subglobose, yellow, composed of many short-stalked anthers spirally
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PICEA
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PICEA
White Spruce...
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 50-60 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; forming a rather broad, open, pyramidal crown. LEAVES.—Spirally arranged, but crowded on the upper side of the branches by the twisting of those on the under side; awl-shaped, 4-sided, incurved; dark blue-green; about 3/4 inch long; ill-scented when bruised. Persistent for several years. FLOWERS.—April-May; monoecious; the staminate oblong-cylindrical, long-stalked, 1/2-3/4 inch long, composed of many spirally arranged, red anther
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A small tree 20-30 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 6-10 inches; forming a narrow-based, conical, more or less irregular crown of short, slender, horizontal branches; often small and stunted. LEAVES.—Spirally arranged, spreading in all directions; awl-shaped, 4-sided, blunt at the apex, more or less incurved; stiff; dark blue-green and glaucous; 1/8-3/8 inch long. Persistent for several years. FLOWERS.—April-May; monoecious; the staminate subglobose, about 1/2 inch long, composed of ma
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 50-70 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet; forming a dense, conical, spire-topped crown of numerous, drooping branches which persist nearly to the ground. LEAVES.—Spirally arranged along the twig; crowded; 3/4-1 inch long; rigid, curved, acute; lustrous, dark green. Persistent 5-7 years. FLOWERS.—May; monoecious; the staminate ovoid to subglobose, long-stalked, reddish to yellowish, 3/4-1 inch long; the pistillate cylindrical, sessile, erect, 1-1/2-2 inches long. FRUIT.—Au
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A slender tree 40-60 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 12-18 inches; branches in whorls of 4-6, forming a symmetrical, open crown widest at the base and tapering regularly upward. LEAVES.—Scattered, spirally arranged in rows, on young trees extending from all sides of the branch, on old trees covering the upper side of the branch; narrowly linear, with apex acute or rounded; 1/2-1-1/4 inches long; lustrous, dark green above, pale beneath; sessile; aromatic. Persistent 8-10 years. FLOWER
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk 2-4 feet in diameter; forming a rather broad, open, somewhat irregular-pyramidal crown of slender, horizontal branches. LEAVES.—Spirally arranged around the branch, but appearing 2-ranked by the twisting of their petioles; linear, flat, rounded at the apex; about 1/2 inch long; dark yellow-green and shining above, hoary beneath; short-petioled. Persistent about 3 years. FLOWERS.—April-May; monoecious; the staminate axillary, short-stalked, light
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 40-50 feet high, with a short, often buttressed trunk 1-2 feet in diameter, often divided into 2-3 secondary stems; forming a rather dense, wide-based, pyramidal crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, 4-ranked, scale-like, appressed; ovate, obtuse or pointed, keeled in the side pairs, flat in the others; 1/8-1/4 inch long; yellow-green, often becoming brown in winter; strongly aromatic when crushed. Persistent 1-2 years. FLOWERS.—April-May; usually monoecious; the staminate minute, globose, yell
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PINACEAE
PINACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 30-40 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; forming an irregular, pyramidal or rounded crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, of two kinds: (1) sessile, scale-like, closely appressed, overlapping, 4-ranked, ovate, acute, 1/16 inch long, (2) sessile, awl-shaped, loosely arranged, 1/4-1/2 inch long. Persistent 5-6 years. FLOWERS.—May; usually dioecious; minute; the staminate oblong-ovoid, composed of 4-6 shield-like scales, each bearing 4-5 yellow, globose pollen sacs; the pis
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF SALIX
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF SALIX
The classification of the Willows is a task for the specialist, even when leaves and both staminate and pistillate flowers are obtainable. It is impractible for the novice to attempt the determination of species of Salix with winter characters alone. Consequently the usual winter key is omitted....
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
The genus Salix is represented in Michigan by thirty or more distinct species, and there are many more hybrids. The majority of these are shrubs, only a few becoming truly arborescent. Because of the similarity of their botanical characters, the frequency with which they hybridize, and the facility with which they respond to their environment only an expert is competent to identify the species so abundant along our water courses and on the banks of our lakes and swamps. The scope of this work be
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 30-50 feet high, with a short trunk, 1-2 feet in diameter; stout, spreading branches form a broad, rather irregular, open crown. Often a shrub. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long, 1/4-3/4 inch broad; lanceolate, very long-pointed, often curved at the tip; finely serrate; thin; bright green and rather lustrous above, paler and often hairy beneath; petioles very short, more or less pubescent. FLOWERS.—April-May, with the leaves; dioecious; borne in crowded, slender, hairy cat
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 30-40 feet high, with a straight, columnar trunk 1-2 feet in diameter; straight, ascending branches form a rather narrow, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-6 inches long, 3/4-1-1/4 inches broad; lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, long-pointed; finely serrate; thin and firm; light green and shining above, pale and glaucous beneath; petioles slender, 1/2-3/4 inch long. FLOWERS.—April, with the leaves; dioecious; borne in crowded, slender, pubescent catkins 2-3 inches long; cal
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 50-60 feet high, with a short, stout trunk 3-4 feet in diameter; stout, spreading branches form a broad, open crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long, 1/2-1-1/2 inches broad; lanceolate, long-pointed; finely glandular-serrate; thin and firm; lustrous, dark green above, paler beneath, glabrous both sides; petioles short, stout, with 2 glands at the junction of blade and petiole. FLOWERS.—April-May, with the leaves; dioecious; borne in slender, pubescent catkins 1-3 inches
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 40-50 feet high, with a short, stout trunk 3-4 feet in diameter; the long, slender branchlets, often many feet in length, droop in graceful festoons, giving to the tree a weeping habit. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-7 inches long, 1/4-1/2 inch broad; linear to linear-lanceolate, long-pointed; finely sharp-serrate; thin and firm; glabrous, dark green above, paler beneath; petioles 1/2 inch or less in length, glandular above, often hairy. FLOWERS.—April-May, with the leaves; dioecious
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF POPULUS
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF POPULUS
  White Poplar...
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet, forming a large, spreading, rounded or irregular crown of large, crooked branches and sparse, stout branchlets. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-4 inches long and almost as broad; broadly ovate to suborbicular; irregularly toothed, sinuate, or sometimes 3-5-lobed; glabrous, dark green above, white-tomentose to glabrous beneath; petioles long, slender, flattened, tomentose. FLOWERS.—April-May, before the leaves; dioecious; the st
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A small, slender tree generally 35-45 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 8-15 inches; forming a loose, rounded crown of slender branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 1-1/2-2-1/2 inches long and broad; broadly ovate to suborbicular; finely serrate; thin and firm; lustrous, dark green above, dull and pale beneath; petioles slender, laterally compressed. Tremulous with the slightest breeze. FLOWERS.—April, before the leaves; dioecious; the staminate catkins 1-1/2-3 inches long, the pistillat
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 30-50 feet high, with a slender trunk 12-20 inches in diameter; forming a loose, oval or rounded crown of slender, spreading branches and coarse spray. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-5 inches long, two-thirds as broad; orbicular-ovate; coarsely and irregularly sinuate-toothed; thin and firm; dark green above, paler beneath, glabrous both sides; petioles long, slender, laterally compressed. FLOWERS.—April, before the leaves; dioecious; the staminate in short-stalked catki
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 60-75 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet; forming a rather narrow, open, pyramidal crown of few, slender, horizontal branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long, about one-half as broad; ovate to ovate-lanceolate; finely crenate-serrate; thin and firm; lustrous, dark green above, paler beneath; petioles 1-1/2 inches long, slender, terete, smooth. FLOWERS.—April, before the leaves; dioecious; the staminate in long-stalked catkins 3-4 inches long; the pistillate in
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 50-70 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet; more spreading branches than in P. balsamifera , forming a broader and more open crown. LEAVES.—Resemble those of P. balsamifera , but more broadly heart-shaped and more coarsely serrate; more or less pubescent when young; petioles pubescent. FLOWERS.—Similar to those of P. balsamifera . FRUIT.—Similar to that of P. balsamifera . WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud about 1 inch long, ovoid, long-pointed, dark red-brown, resinous throughout,
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A stately tree attaining a height of 70-90 feet and a trunk diameter of 3-5 feet; forming a spreading, open, symmetrical crown of massive, horizontal branches and stout, more or less angled branchlets. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long, nearly as broad; broadly deltoid-ovate; coarsely crenate-serrate above the entire base; thick and firm; lustrous, dark green above, paler beneath; petioles 2-3 inches long, slender, compressed laterally. FLOWERS.—April-May, before the leaves; dioe
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SALICACEAE
SALICACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 75-100 feet high, with a short, ridged and buttressed trunk 4-6 feet in diameter and a narrow, spire-like crown of erect branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-4 inches long, and usually somewhat broader than long; broad-deltoid, abruptly acuminate; finely but bluntly crenate-serrate; thick and firm; dark green and shining above, lighter and more or less lustrous beneath; petioles slender, laterally compressed, 1-2 inches long. FLOWERS.—April-May, before the leaves; dioecious; the
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF JUGLANS
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF JUGLANS
Butternut...
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JUGLANDACEAE
JUGLANDACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-60 feet high, with a short trunk 2-3 feet in diameter; forming a wide-spreading crown of large, horizontal branches and stout, stiff branchlets. LEAVES.—Alternate, compound, 15-30 inches long. Leaflets 11-17, 2-4 inches long and one-half as broad; sessile, except the terminal; oblong-lanceolate; finely serrate; thin; yellow-green and rugose above, pale and soft-pubescent beneath. Petioles stout, hairy. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in cyli
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JUGLANDACEAE
JUGLANDACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a massive trunk 2-5 feet in diameter; forming an open, capacious crown of heavy branches and coarse branchlets. LEAVES.—Alternate, compound, 1-2 feet long. Leaflets 13-23, the terminal often lacking, 2-4 inches long and one-half as broad; sessile; ovate-lanceolate, taper-pointed; sharp-serrate; thin; yellow-green and glabrous above, lighter and soft-pubescent beneath. Petioles stout, pubescent. Foliage aromatic when bruised. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CARYA
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CARYA
  Shagbark Hickory. Shellbark Hickory...
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JUGLANDACEAE
JUGLANDACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 60-80 feet high, with a slender, columnar trunk 1-2 feet in diameter; forming a narrow, somewhat open crown of stout, slightly spreading limbs and stout branchlets. LEAVES.—Alternate, compound, 8-14 inches long. Leaflets usually 5, the upper 5-7 inches long and 2-3 inches broad; sessile, except the terminal; obovate to oblong-lanceolate; finely serrate; thick and firm; glabrous, dark green above, paler beneath and glabrous or puberulous. Petioles stout, smooth or hairy. Foliage fra
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JUGLANDACEAE
JUGLANDACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 60-80 feet high, with a tall, slender trunk 2-3 feet in diameter; forming a narrow, oblong crown of small, spreading branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, compound, 1-2 feet long. Leaflets usually 7, the upper 5-9 inches long, 3-5 inches broad, larger than the lowest pair; sessile or short-stalked; oblong-lanceolate to obovate, taper-pointed; finely serrate; thick and firm; lustrous, dark green above, paler and soft-pubescent beneath. Petioles stout, glabrous or pubescent, often persistent
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JUGLANDACEAE
JUGLANDACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 50-70 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2-1/2 feet; forming a wide crown of strong, upright branches and stout branchlets. LEAVES.—Alternate, compound, 8-12 inches long. Leaflets usually 5-7, sometimes 9, the upper 5-8 inches long, 3-4 inches broad; sessile, except the terminal; oblong- to obovate-lanceolate; minutely or sometimes coarsely serrate; thick and firm; lustrous, dark yellow-green above, paler and more or less pubescent beneath. Petioles pubescent. Foliage fragrant w
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JUGLANDACEAE
JUGLANDACEAE
HABIT.—A tree usually 50-70 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet; forming an oblong or sometimes rounded crown of slender, spreading branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, compound, 8-12 inches long. Leaflets usually 5-7, the upper 3-6 inches long, 2-2-1/2 inches broad; sessile, except the terminal; oblong to ovate-lanceolate, long-pointed; sharply serrate; thick and firm; glabrous, dark yellow-green above, lighter beneath. Petioles long, glabrous. Foliage fragrant when crushed. FLOWERS.—May, afte
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JUGLANDACEAE
JUGLANDACEAE
HABIT.—A tree usually 50-65 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet; forming a low, rather narrow, open crown of slender, often contorted branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, compound, 8-12 inches long. Leaflets usually 5-7, the upper 3-6 inches long, 2-2-1/2 inches broad; subsessile, except the terminal; oblong to obovate-lanceolate, taper-pointed; sharply serrate; thick and firm; glabrous, dark yellow-green above, paler beneath. Petioles long, slender, glabrous or pubescent. Foliage fragrant when
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JUGLANDACEAE
JUGLANDACEAE
HABIT.—A tall, slender tree 50-75 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2-1/2 feet; forming a broad crown of slender, stiff, upright branches, widest near the top. LEAVES.—Alternate, compound, 6-10 inches long. Leaflets 5-11, the upper 4-6 inches long and one-fourth as broad; sessile, except the terminal; lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, long-pointed; coarsely serrate; thin and firm; glabrous, bright green above, paler and more or less downy beneath. Petioles slender, hairy. Foliage fragrant whe
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BETULACEAE
BETULACEAE
HABIT.—A small tree usually 20-30 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 8-12 inches; forming a broad, rounded crown of many long, slender branches and a slender, stiff spray. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-5 inches long, about one-half as broad; oblong-ovate; sharply doubly serrate; thin and very tough; dull, dark green above, paler and more or less pubescent beneath; petioles short, slender, pubescent. FLOWERS.—April-May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in drooping, cylindrical catkins f
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BETULACEAE
BETULACEAE
HABIT.—Usually a low, bushy tree or large shrub, 10-30 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 6-12 inches; trunk short, usually fluted; slender zigzag branches and a fine spray form a close, flat-topped crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-4 inches long and one-half as broad; ovate to oval, long-pointed; sharply doubly serrate; thin and firm; dull green above, lighter beneath, turning scarlet and orange in autumn; petioles short, slender, hairy. FLOWERS.—May, after the leaves; monoecious; apetalous;
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF BETULA
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF BETULA
Sweet Birch. Black Birch. Cherry Birch...
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BETULACEAE
BETULACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 70-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet; slender, wide-spreading, pendulous branches, forming a narrow, rounded, open crown. LEAVES.—Alternate in pairs, simple, 3-4 inches long and one-half as broad; outline variable, ovate to oblong-ovate; sharply doubly serrate, with slender, incurved teeth; dull, dark green above, light yellow-green beneath; petioles short, stout, hairy, deeply grooved above; aromatic. FLOWERS.—April, before the leaves; monoecious; the st
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BETULACEAE
BETULACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 60-80 feet high and 2-4 feet in trunk diameter; numerous slender, pendulous branches form a broad, open, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, solitary or in pairs, simple, 3-5 inches long and one-half as broad; ovate to oblong-ovate; sharply doubly serrate; dull dark green above, yellow-green beneath; petioles short, slender, grooved, hairy; slightly aromatic. FLOWERS.—April, before the leaves; monoecious; the staminate catkins 3-4 inches long, slender, pendent, purplish yellow; the p
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BETULACEAE
BETULACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 50-75 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet, forming in youth a compact, pyramidal crown of many slender branches, becoming in old age a long, branchless trunk with a broad, open crown, composed of a few large limbs ascending at an acute angle, with almost horizontal branches and a slender, flexible spray. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-3 inches long, 1-1/2-2 inches broad; ovate; coarsely, more or less doubly serrate; thick and firm; glabrous, dark green above, lighter beneath
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A beautiful tree, rising commonly to a height of 50-75 feet, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet; in the forest, tall and slender, with short branches forming a narrow crown, in the open with a short, thick trunk and numerous slender, spreading branches, forming a broad, compact, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-5 inches long, one-half as broad; oblong-ovate, acuminate; coarsely serrate, a vein terminating in each tooth; thin; dark blue-green above, light yellow-green and very lu
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 60-80 feet high, forming a short, straight trunk 2-4 feet in diameter, divided not far above the ground into several stout, horizontal limbs and forming a broad, open, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 6-8 inches long, 2-3 inches broad; oblong-lanceolate, long-pointed at the apex; coarsely serrate with stout, incurved, glandular teeth; thin; dull yellow-green above, lighter beneath, glabrous; petioles short, stout, puberulous. FLOWERS.—June-July, after the leaves; monoeciou
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF QUERCUS
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF QUERCUS
White Oak...
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet; forming a short, thick trunk with stout, horizontal, far-reaching limbs, more or less gnarled and twisted in old age, and a broad, open crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-9 inches long, about one-half as broad; obovate to oblong; 5-9-lobed, some with broad lobes and shallow sinuses, others with narrow lobes and deep, narrow sinuses, the lobes usually entire; thin and firm; glabrous, bright green above, pale or glaucous bene
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk 2-4 feet in diameter; great, spreading branches form a broad, rugged crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 6-10 inches long and one-half as broad; obovate to oblong, wedge-shaped at the base; crenately lobed, usually cut nearly to the midrib by two opposite sinuses near the middle; thick and firm; dark green and shining above, pale-pubescent beneath; petioles short, stout. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in slender, hairy cat
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 50-70 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; forming a rather open, rugged crown of tortuous, pendulous branches and short, stiff, bushy spray. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-7 inches long, 3-5 inches broad; obovate to oblong-obovate; coarsely sinuate-crenate or shallow-lobed; thick and firm; dark green and shining above, whitish and more or less tomentose beneath; petioles stout, about 1/2 inch long. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in hairy catk
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-50 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet; erect, somewhat short branches form a narrow, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 4-7 inches long, 1-4 inches broad; oblong-lanceolate to obovate; coarsely toothed; thick and firm; lustrous, yellow-green above, pale-pubescent beneath; petioles slender, about 1 inch long. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in hairy catkins 3-4 inches long; the pistillate sessile or in short spikes, hoary-tom
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 70-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet; forming a broad, rounded crown of a few large, wide-spreading branches and slender branchlets. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-9 inches long, 4-6 inches broad; oval to obovate; 5-11-lobed with coarse-toothed, bristle-tipped lobes tapering from broad bases and wide, oblique, rounded sinuses; thin and firm; dull dark green above, paler beneath; petioles stout, 1-2 inches long. FLOWERS.—April-May, when the leaves are half grown; m
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-50 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; forming an oblong or pyramidal crown of many upright, spreading branches, the lowermost drooping nearly to the ground. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 4-6 inches long, 2-4 inches broad; obovate to ovate; 5-7-lobed by deep, wide, rounded sinuses, the lobes few-toothed, bristle-tipped; thin and firm; very lustrous, dark green above, paler beneath; petioles slender. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 40-50 feet high and 12-15 inches in trunk diameter; long, slender branches form a rather open, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long and nearly as broad; broadly obovate to oval; 5-9-lobed by deep, wide, rounded sinuses, the lobes toothed and bristle-tipped; thin and firm; shining, bright green above, paler beneath, both sides glabrous; turning brilliant scarlet in autumn; petioles slender, 1-2 inches long. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminat
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 50-60 feet high, with a short trunk 2-3 feet in diameter; forming a rather narrow, oblong crown of upright and horizontal branches. Many small, drooping branches are sent out near the ground, which eventually die; and it is to the stubs or pins which persist about the trunk that the appelation Pin Oak is due. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-7 inches long and about as broad; oval to nearly orbicular; narrowly 5-7-lobed by deep, wide, rounded sinuses, the lobes few-toothed, bristle-tipp
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 50-60 feet high and 1-3 feet in trunk diameter; slender branches and stout branchlets form a wide-spreading, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-10 inches long, 3-8 inches broad; ovate to oblong; usually 7-lobed, some with shallow sinuses and broad, rounded, mucronate lobes, others with wide, rounded sinuses extending half-way to the midrib or farther and narrow-oblong or triangular, bristle-tipped lobes, the lobes more or less coarse-toothed, each tooth bristl
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A small, shrubby tree 20-30 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 6-14 inches; spreading, often contorted branches form a rounded or obovoid crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-7 inches long and broad; broad-obovate; more or less 3-lobed at the apex, the lobes entire or toothed, bristle-tipped, very variable in size and shape; thick and leathery; very lustrous and dark green above, yellowish and scurfy-pubescent beneath; petioles short, stout. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the
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FAGACEAE
FAGACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 40-50 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; forming a rather open, rounded crown of slender, horizontal branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 4-6 inches long, 1-2 inches broad; oblong-lanceolate to oblong-obovate; entire or somewhat undulate; thin, very lustrous, dark green above, paler and pubescent beneath; petioles stout, pubescent, 1/2 inch long. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in slender, hoary-tomentose catkins 2-3 inches long; the pistillate o
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ULMUS
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ULMUS
Slippery Elm. Red Elm...
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URTICACEAE
URTICACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-60 feet high, with a short trunk 1-2 feet in diameter; spreading branches form a broad, open, flat-topped crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 4-7 inches long, about one-half as broad; ovate-oblong; coarsely doubly serrate; thick and firm; dark green and rough above, paler and somewhat rough beneath; petioles short, stout, hairy. FLOWERS.—March-April, before the leaves; mostly perfect; borne on short pedicels in crowded fascicles; calyx campanulate, 5-9-lobed, green, h
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URTICACEAE
URTICACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 75-100 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-6 feet; commonly dividing 20-30 feet above the ground into a few large branches which rise upward and outward to form a vase-shaped outline. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 4-6 inches long, one-half as broad; obovate-oblong to oval; coarsely doubly serrate; thick and firm; dark green and rough above, pale and pubescent or glabrous beneath; petioles short and stout. FLOWERS.—March-April, before the leaves; mostly perfect; small, brown to red;
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URTICACEAE
URTICACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree sometimes reaching a height of 100 feet and a trunk diameter of 5 feet, but usually somewhat smaller; strongly drooping lateral and lower branches form a narrow, oblong crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long, one-half as broad; obovate to oblong-oval, more or less dished; coarsely doubly serrate; thick and firm; lustrous, dark green above, pale-pubescent beneath; petioles pubescent, 1/4 inch long. FLOWERS.—March-April, before the leaves; mostly perfect; greenish; b
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URTICACEAE
URTICACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree, 40-60 feet high, with a short, straight trunk 1-2 feet in diameter which branches a few feet from the ground into a few large limbs and many slender, horizontal, zigzag branches, forming a broad, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-4 inches long and one-half as broad; ovate to ovate-lanceolate, oblique at the base, usually long-pointed; coarsely serrate above the entire base; thin; glabrous, light green above, paler beneath, turning light yellow late in autumn
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URTICACEAE
URTICACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 20-30 feet high, with a short trunk 1-2 feet in diameter; divides into a few large limbs with curving branches, forming a symmetrical, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-5 inches long, 2-3 inches broad; ovate to oblong-lanceolate; entire; thick and firm; dark green and shining above, paler beneath; petioles slender, pubescent, 1-1/2-2 inches long. FLOWERS.—June, after the leaves; dioecious; the staminate slender-pedicelled, borne in a dense raceme at the end of long, slend
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URTICACEAE
URTICACEAE
HABIT.—A small tree 20-30 feet high, with a short trunk 10-15 inches in diameter; forming a dense, round-topped crown of stout, spreading branches and more or less zigzag, slender branchlets. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-5 inches long, nearly as broad; outline variable, ovate to semi-orbicular, often 3-5-lobed; coarsely serrate; thin; dark blue-green and smooth or rough above, pale and more or less downy beneath; petioles 1-2 inches long, smooth, exuding a milky juice when cut. FLOWERS.—May, wit
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MAGNOLIACEAE
MAGNOLIACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 70-100 feet high, with a columnar trunk 2-5 feet in diameter; forming a rather open, conical crown of slender branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-6 inches long and broad; 4-lobed; entire; lustrous, dark green above, pale or glaucous beneath, turning clear yellow in autumn; petioles slender, angled, 5-6 inches long. FLOWERS.—May-June, after the leaves; perfect; terminal; solitary on stout peduncles; tulip-shaped, greenish yellow, 1-1/2-2 inches long; sepals 3, greenish, ear
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LAURACEAE
LAURACEAE
HABIT.—Usually a large shrub, but often a small tree 20-40 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 10-20 inches; stout, often contorted branches and a bushy spray form a flat, rather open crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long, 2-4 inches broad; oval to oblong or obovate; entire or 1-3-lobed with deep, broad sinuses and finger-like lobes; thin; dull dark green above, paler beneath; petioles slender, about 1 inch long. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; dioecious; greenish yellow; on slender p
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PLATANACEAE
PLATANACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 70-100 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 3-8 feet; commonly dividing near the ground into several large secondary trunks, forming a broad, open, irregular crown of massive, spreading branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-10 inches long and broad; broadly ovate in outline; more or less 3-5-lobed by broad, shallow sinuses, the lobes sinuate-toothed; thin and firm; bright green above, paler beneath, glabrous both sides; petioles stout, puberulous, 1-2 inches long. FLOWERS.—Ma
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PYRUS
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PYRUS
Sweet Crab. American Crab...
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ROSACEAE
ROSACEAE
HABIT.—Often a bushy shrub, but frequently a small tree 15-25 feet high, with a trunk 8-12 inches in diameter; forming a broad, rounded crown of rigid, contorted branches bearing many short, spur-like branchlets. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-4 inches long, almost as broad; ovate to nearly triangular; sharply and deeply serrate, sometimes lobed; membranaceous; bright green above, paler beneath, glabrous both sides; petioles long, slender, often with two dark glands near the middle. FLOWERS.—May,
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ROSACEAE
ROSACEAE
HABIT.—A small tree 15-20 feet high, with a trunk diameter of not over a foot; branches slender, spreading, forming a narrow, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, compound, 6-9 inches long. Leaflets 9-17, 2-3 inches long and 1/2-3/4 inch broad; sessile or nearly so, except the terminal; lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, taper-pointed; finely and sharply serrate above the entire base; membranaceous; glabrous, dark yellow-green above, paler beneath, turning clear yellow in autumn. Petioles slender, gr
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ROSACEAE
ROSACEAE
HABIT.—A small tree 25-40 feet in height, with a tall trunk 6-12 inches in diameter; forming a narrow, rounded crown of many small limbs and slender branchlets. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-4 inches long and about one-half as broad; ovate to obovate; finely and sharply serrate; glabrous, dark green above, paler beneath; petioles slender, about 1 inch long. FLOWERS.—April, when the leaves are about one-third grown; perfect; large, white, borne in drooping racemes 3-5 inches long; calyx 5-cleft, c
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ROSACEAE
ROSACEAE
Owing to the complexity of the various forms in this group, the present state of uncertainty as to the value of certain characters, and the questionable validity of many of the assigned names, it is thought to be beyond the scope of this bulletin to give more than a general description of the group as a whole, recommending the more ambitious student to the various manuals and botanical journals and papers for more detailed information. The Crataegi are generally low, wide-spreading trees or shru
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PRUNUS
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PRUNUS
Black Cherry...
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ROSACEAE
ROSACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-50 feet high and 8-36 inches in trunk diameter; branches few, large, tortuous, forming a rather spreading, oblong or rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-5 inches long, about one-half as broad; oval or oblong to oblong-lanceolate; finely serrate, with teeth incurved; subcoriaceous; dark green and very lustrous above, paler beneath, glabrous both sides; petioles short, slender, usually bearing 2 red glands near the blade. FLOWERS.—May-June, when the leaves are
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ROSACEAE
ROSACEAE
HABIT.—Usually a large shrub, but sometimes a small tree 15-25 feet high, with a crooked, often leaning trunk 5-6 inches in diameter; forming a spreading, somewhat rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-4 inches long, one-half as broad; obovate to oblong-obovate or oval, abruptly acuminate at the apex; finely and sharply serrate; dull dark green above, paler beneath, glabrous both sides; petioles short, slender, glandular at the apex. FLOWERS.—May, when the leaves are half grown; perfect; a
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ROSACEAE
ROSACEAE
HABIT.—A slender tree, seldom over 30 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 8-10 inches; crown rather open, narrow, rounded, with slender, regular branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-5 inches long, 3/4-1-1/4 inches broad; oblong-lanceolate; finely and sharply serrate; bright green and shining above, paler beneath; petioles slender, 1/2-1 inch long, glandular near the blade. FLOWERS.—May-June, with the leaves; perfect; about 1/2 inch across, borne on slender pedicels in 4-5-flowered umbels, gene
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ROSACEAE
ROSACEAE
HABIT.—A small tree 20-25 feet high and 5-8 inches in trunk diameter; usually divides 5-6 feet from the ground into a number of stout, upright branches, forming a narrow, rigid crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-5 inches long and one-half as broad; oblong-ovate to obovate, abruptly acuminate at the apex; doubly crenate-serrate; thick and firm; glabrous, light green above, paler beneath; petioles short, stout, bearing 2 large red glands near the blade. FLOWERS.—May, before the leaves; perfect; s
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LEGUMINOSAE
LEGUMINOSAE
HABIT.—A slender tree 50-75 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; divides near the ground into several stems which spread slightly to form a narrow, pyramidal crown; branchlets stout, clumsy, blunt, with conspicuous leaf-scars. LEAVES.—Alternate, bipinnately compound, 1-3 feet long. Leaflets 40 or more, 2-2-1/2 inches long and one-half as broad; short-stalked; ovate, acute; entire; thin and firm; dark green above, pale yellow-green and glabrous beneath. Petioles stout, terete, glabrous.
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LEGUMINOSAE
LEGUMINOSAE
HABIT.—A tree usually 50-75 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; dividing near the ground into several large, upright branches which divide again into long, slender, horizontal branchlets; both trunk and large branches armed with stout, rigid, simple or branched spines. LEAVES.—Alternate, pinnately or bipinnately compound, 7-12 inches long. Leaflets 18 or more, 3/4-1-1/2 inches long, one-third as broad; lanceolate-oblong; remotely crenulate-serrate; thin; lustrous, dark green above, dul
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LEGUMINOSAE
LEGUMINOSAE
HABIT.—A small tree 20-30 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 10-15 inches; divided near the ground into stout, straggling branches to form a broad, flat crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-5 inches long and broad; heart-shaped or rounded; entire; thick; glabrous, dark green above, paler beneath, turning bright yellow in autumn; petioles slender, terete, enlarged at the base. FLOWERS.—April-May, before or with the leaves; perfect; 1/2 inch long; borne on short, jointed pedicels in fascicles of 4
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LEGUMINOSAE
LEGUMINOSAE
HABIT.—A tree 50-75 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; forming a narrow, oblong crown of irregular, more or less contorted branches. LEAVES.—Alternate, compound, 8-14 inches long. Leaflets 7-21, short-petiolate, 1-2 inches long, about one-half as broad; ovate to oblong-oval; entire; very thin; dull dark green above, paler beneath, glabrous both sides. Petioles slender, pubescent. FLOWERS.—May-June, after the leaves; perfect; showy and abundant; very fragrant; borne on slender pedicels
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SIMARUBACEAE
SIMARUBACEAE
HABIT.—A handsome, rapid-growing, short-lived tree, attaining a height of 50-70 feet and a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet, with a spreading, rather loose and open crown and a coarse, blunt spray. LEAVES.—Alternate, pinnately compound, 1-3 feet long. Leaflets 11-41 in number, 2-6 inches long and about one-third as broad; ovate-lanceolate; entire with the exception of two or more coarse, glandular teeth at the base; glabrous, dark green above, paler beneath, turning a clear yellow in autumn or falling
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ACER
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ACER
Striped Maple. Moosewood. Whistlewood...
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ACERACEAE
ACERACEAE
HABIT.—A small tree at best, more often a large shrub, seldom attaining a height of more than 30 feet, with a short trunk 5-8 inches through. The striped, upright branches form a rather compact crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 5-6 inches long and nearly as broad; 3-lobed above the middle with short, tapering lobes; palmately 3-nerved; sharply doubly serrate; rounded or heart-shaped at the base; glabrous, yellow-green above, paler beneath, turning pale yellow in autumn; petioles stout, grooved. F
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ACERACEAE
ACERACEAE
HABIT.—A bushy tree sometimes 25-30 feet high, with a short trunk 6-8 inches in diameter; small, upright branches form a small, rounded crown. More often a straggling shrub. LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 4-5 inches long and two-thirds as broad; 3-lobed above the middle, the lobes coarsely crenate-serrate with pointed teeth, the sinuses usually wide-angled and acute at the base; thin; glabrous, dark green above, covered with a whitish down beneath, turning scarlet and orange in autumn; veining promin
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ACERACEAE
ACERACEAE
HABIT.—A stately tree 60-100 feet in height, with a trunk diameter of 3-4 feet; in the open forming stout, upright branches near the ground, in forests making remarkably clean trunks to a good height; the crown is a broad, round-topped dome. LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 3-5 inches long and broad; usually 5-lobed (sometimes 3-lobed), the lobes sparingly wavy-toothed, the sinuses broad and rounded at the base; thin and firm; opaque, dark green above, lighter and glabrous beneath, turning yellow and r
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ACERACEAE
ACERACEAE
HABIT.—A stately tree, sometimes reaching a height of 80 feet, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; branches stout, forming a broad, rounded, symmetrical crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, concave, 5-7 inches across, the breadth usually exceeding the length; usually 5-lobed at maturity, the two lower lobes being small, often reduced to a mere curve in the outline, the pointed lobes undulate or entire and narrowed from the broad, shallow sinuses; thick and firm; glabrous above, downy beneath; petiole
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ACERACEAE
ACERACEAE
HABIT.—A beautiful tree, growing to a height of 60-80 feet, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet, usually separating near the ground into 3-4 upright stems which are destitute of branches for a considerable distance. Usually the long, slender branches bend downwards, but with their tips ascending in a graceful curve. Crown broad, especially in its upper portion. LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 3-6 inches long and nearly as broad; usually 5-lobed by narrow, acute sinuses which extend nearly to the midrib,
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ACERACEAE
ACERACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-50 feet high, occasionally in swamps 60-75 feet; trunk 1-3 feet in diameter; upright branches, which form a low, rather narrow, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 3-4 inches long and nearly as broad; 3-5-lobed by broad, acute sinuses, the lobes irregularly doubly serrate or toothed; glabrous, green above, whitish and generally glabrous beneath, turning bright scarlet in autumn; petioles long, slender. FLOWERS.—March-April, before the leaves; polygamo-monoeciou
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ACERACEAE
ACERACEAE
HABIT.—A tall, handsome tree, with a height of 40-60 feet, and a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet, having a round, spreading crown of stout branches, resembling A. saccharum . Twigs coarse. LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 5-7 inches broad, and almost as long; thin; 5-7-lobed at maturity, lobes remotely coarse-toothed with the teeth drawn out into filamentous points, separated by rounded, scallop-like sinuses; glabrous, bright green both sides, turning pale yellow in autumn; petioles long, slender, exuding a
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ACERACEAE
ACERACEAE
HABIT.—A thrifty tree 50-60 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; the crown roundish, spreading. LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 4-7 inches across, and as long as broad; thick; pentagonally 5-lobed, the lobes more or less ovate, separated by very narrow, acute sinuses extending about half-way to the midrib, the lobes coarsely and irregularly blunt-serrate, crenate-serrate, or slightly lobed; upper surface dark green and shining, somewhat wrinkled, but paler dull green and glaucous beneath; pet
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ACERACEAE
ACERACEAE
HABIT.—A sturdy little tree 30-50 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet. Trunk often divides near the ground into several stout, wide-spreading branches, forming a broad, unsymmetrical, open crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, pinnately compound. Leaflets 3-5 in number, 2-4 inches long, 1-1/2-2-1/2 inches broad; ovate or oval; nearly entire, irregularly and remotely coarse-toothed above the middle, or sometimes 3-lobed (often giving the leaflet a jagged outline); apex acute, base variable; glabrous
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF AESCULUS
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF AESCULUS
Horse-chestnut...
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SAPINDACEAE
SAPINDACEAE
HABIT.—A handsome tree, with a height of 40-60 feet and a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet, forming a broad, conical crown. The regularly occurring branches ascend from the trunk at first, gradually bend downwards as they lengthen, and end in a thick, upturning spray. LEAVES.—Opposite, digitately compound. Leaflets usually 7, rarely 5, 5-7 inches long, 1-1/2-2-1/2 inches broad; obovate, wedge-shaped at the base; irregularly and bluntly serrate; thick; rough, dark green above, paler beneath, turning a
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SAPINDACEAE
SAPINDACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 30-50 feet in height, with a trunk not over 2 feet in diameter; usually much smaller; slender, spreading branches, forming a broad, rounded crown; twigs thick. LEAVES.—Opposite, digitately compound. Leaflets usually 5, rarely 7, 3-6 inches long, 1-1/2-2-1/2 inches broad; ovate or oval, gradually narrowed to the entire base; irregularly and finely serrate; glabrous, yellow-green above, paler beneath, turning yellow in autumn. Petioles 4-6 inches long, slender, enlarged
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TILIACEAE
TILIACEAE
HABIT.—A tree usually 60-70 feet high, with a tall, straight trunk 2-4 feet in diameter; numerous slender branches form a dense, ovoid or rounded crown. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-6 inches long, 3-4 inches broad; obliquely heart-shaped; coarsely serrate; thick and firm; glabrous, dull dark green above, paler beneath; petioles slender, 1-2 inches long. FLOWERS.—June-July, after the leaves; perfect, regular; yellowish white, downy, fragrant; borne on slender pedicels in loose, drooping cymes, th
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CORNUS
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CORNUS
Flowering Dogwood. Dogwood. Boxwood...
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CORNACEAE
CORNACEAE
HABIT.—A bushy tree with a height of 15-30 feet and a short trunk 8-12 inches in diameter; slender, spreading branches form a flat-topped crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, closely clustered at the ends of the branchlets, simple, 3-5 inches long, 2-3 inches broad; ovate to elliptical; obscurely wavy-toothed; thick and firm; bright green, covered with minute, appressed hairs above, pale and more or less pubescent beneath, turning bright scarlet in autumn; petioles short, grooved. FLOWERS.—May, with the lea
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CORNACEAE
CORNACEAE
HABIT.—A small tree or large shrub reaching a height of 25-30 feet and a trunk diameter of 6-8 inches; more often smaller than this. The long, slender branches are arranged in irregular whorls, forming flat, horizontal tiers, giving the tree a storied effect. LEAVES.—Mostly alternate and clustered at the ends of the branchlets; simple, 3-5 inches long, 2-1/2-3 inches broad; oval or ovate, long-pointed, wedge-shaped at the base; obscurely wavy-toothed; thin; dark green, nearly glabrous above, pal
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CORNACEAE
CORNACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-50 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet, forming a rounded to cylindrical crown of slender, spreading, pendulous branches and a stiff, flat spray. LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-5 inches long, one-half as broad; oblong-obovate to oval; entire, or sometimes wavy-margined; thick and firm; very lustrous and dark green above, pale and often hairy beneath, turning bright scarlet, on the upper surface only, in autumn; petioles short. FLOWERS.—May-June, with the leav
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF FRAXINUS
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF FRAXINUS
White Ash...
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OLEACEAE
OLEACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 50-75 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; forming an open, pyramidal crown of long, slender, lateral branches and a stout, rather sparse spray. LEAVES.—Opposite, pinnately compound, 8-12 inches long. Leaflets usually 7-9, 3-5 inches long, 1-2 inches broad; short-stalked; ovate to oblong-lanceolate; entire or obscurely serrate; thick and firm; glabrous, dark green above, paler beneath. Petioles glabrous, stout, grooved. FLOWERS.—May, before the leaves; dioecious; bor
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OLEACEAE
OLEACEAE
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 30-50 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; stout, upright branches and slender branchlets form a compact, broad, irregular crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, pinnately compound, 10-12 inches long. Leaflets 7-9, 3-5 inches long, 1-1-1/2 inches broad; short-stalked; oblong-lanceolate to ovate; slightly serrate or entire; thin and firm; glabrous, yellow-green above, pale and silky-downy beneath. Petioles stout, pubescent. FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; dioecious; borne in
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OLEACEAE
OLEACEAE
Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, and by others a variety of F. pennsylvanica Marsh. , which it resembles. The main points of difference are: The usual absence of pubescence from the branchlets, the underside of the leaflets, and the petioles. The rather narrower, shorter, and more sharply serrate leaflets. The color of the leaves, which is bright green on both sides. A very hardy tree, of rapid growth and desirable habit, making it useful for ornamental and street planting. E
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OLEACEAE
OLEACEAE
HABIT.—A large tree 50-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet; small, spreading branches and stout, 4-angled, more or less 4-winged branchlets form a narrow crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, pinnately compound, 8-12 inches long. Leaflets 5-9, usually 7, 3-5 inches long, 1-2 inches broad; short-stalked; ovate-oblong to lanceolate, long-pointed; coarsely serrate; thick and firm; yellow-green above, paler beneath, glabrous. Petioles slender, glabrous. FLOWERS.—April, before the leaves; perfect; bor
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OLEACEAE
OLEACEAE
HABIT.—A tall tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; slender, upright branches form in the forest a narrow crown, in the open a rounded, ovoid crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, pinnately compound, 12-16 inches long. Leaflets 7-11, 3-5 inches long, 1-2 inches broad; sessile, except the terminal; oblong to oblong-lanceolate, long-pointed; remotely, but sharply serrate; thin and firm; dark green above, paler beneath, glabrous. Petioles stout, grooved, glabrous. FLOWERS.—May, before the lea
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WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CATALPA
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CATALPA
Hardy Catalpa...
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BIGNONIACEAE
BIGNONIACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 50-75 feet high, with a short, often crooked trunk and a broad, rounded crown of slender, spreading branches and thick branchlets. LEAVES.—Opposite or whorled, simple, 8-12 inches long, 6-8 inches broad; heart-shaped; entire or sometimes slightly lobed; thick and firm; glabrous, dark green above, downy beneath, with clusters of dark, nectariferous glands in the axils of the primary veins, turning black and falling with the first severe frost; petioles long, stout, terete. FLOWERS.—
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BIGNONIACEAE
BIGNONIACEAE
HABIT.—A tree 40-30 feet high, with a short, thick trunk and a broad, irregular crown of long, crooked branches and coarse, upright branchlets. LEAVES.—Opposite or whorled, simple, 5-8 inches long, 4-5 inches broad; heart-shaped; entire or sometimes slightly lobed; thin and firm; glabrous, light green above, downy beneath, with dark, nectariferous glands in the axils of the primary veins, turning black and falling with the first severe frost; petioles long, stout, terete. FLOWERS.—June-July, aft
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CAPRIFOLIACEAE
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
HABIT.—A low tree or shrub 15-25 feet high, with a short trunk 6-10 inches in diameter; numerous tortuous branches form a wide, compact, rounded crown. LEAVES.—Opposite, simple, 2-4 inches long, one-half as broad; ovate to suborbicular; finely and sharply serrate; thick and firm; lustrous, bright green above, pale and marked with tiny black dots beneath; petioles broad, grooved, more or less winged, about 1 inch long. FLOWERS.—May-June, after the leaves; perfect; small; cream-white, borne in sto
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