TULIP TREES. CENTRAL PARK, LOUISVILLE, KY.
These are two of a group, forest grown; the largest 16 1-2 feel in circumference.

Native Trees of Kentucky

A Handbook

Native Trees of Kentucky

A Handbook
By Sarah Webb Maury

Copyright 1910

QK

Edition of

Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs
Tulif) Tree — Federation State Tree

preface

There are few problems of more economic importance to the
State of Kentucky at the present time than an adequate forest
policy. Relieving that, if the people of the State could be brought
to a realization of the fact, that few regions of the world hi.
greater number of merchantable species of trees than Kentucky,
they would establish and support such a forest policy, this volume
descriptive of the State trees has been prepared.

The term "tree" has been given, regardless of size, to every
woody plant which produces one main stem, bearing a definite
crown ; this feature distinguishes trees from shrubs which have
main1 stems growing from the same roots.

Although any systematic arrangement of trees necessitates the
use of botanical names, an effort has been made to use the smallest
possible number, in order that the book may appeal to all persons
interested in the forest conditions of the State. The sequence of
families follows the order advocated by Engler and Prantl, the
renowned German botanists, and the nomenclature is adopted
from "The Check List of Forest Trees in the United States."
Bulletin 17 — Forest Service. For convenience, a list of the com-
mon names of the trees, native and naturalized in Kentucky has
been added.

The manuscript was offered to the Kentucky Federation of
Women's Clubs for publication of an unlimited first edition, pro-
vided the books were distributed free to the people of the State.
This offer was accepted at the Annual Meeting in Owensboro,
June, 1909.

Before going to press the manuscript was checked up by Mr.
George 1'.. Sudworth, Dendrologist of Forest Service: Dr. Her-
mann Von Schrenk, of St. Louis, and Mr. J. P>. Atkinson, of
Earlington, Ky.

The illustrations are from photographs given by Forest
Service, Washington, D. C. ; Prof. C. J. Norwood, Director of
Kentucky Geological Survey: Mr. J. P.. Atkinson, of Earlington,
Ky. ; Dr. Henry Chandler Cowles, of the University of Chicago,
and from those made under the supervision of the Author.

JVativc Urccs of Kentucky

All trees of the Xorth Temperate region are seed-bearing
plants. They are divided into two classes :

1. Gymnosperms — Xaked seed plants.

2. Angiosperms — Covered seed plants.

CLASS I.— GYMNOSPERMS.

Gymnosperms have their ovules and seeds borne without cov-
ering- on the face of scales. They are represented in Kentucky
by the Pine Family.

PINE FAMILY-Conifers. Pinaceae.

The conifers are the oldest living representatives of the pre-
historic forests. They are commonly known as evergreen because
with two exceptions, the Larch and Bald Cypress, they do not
shed all their leaves at any given season.

The wood of the conifers is of the highest economic impor-
tance ; soft and easy to work : usually resinous. Two pines grow-
ing in the South form the principal source of our turpentine and
pine tar industries. Many of the trees are ornamental park trees.
In Kentucky there are four divisions or genera of the conifers:

A. Genus Pinus — Pines.

B. Genus Tsuga — Hemlocks.

C. Genus Taxodium — Bald Cypress.

D. Genus Juniperus — Cedars.

The two chief characteristics of this family are :

1. Leaves — needle-like.

2. Fruit — a cone.

i 2 \ntive Trees of Kentucky

A. PINES — GENUS PINUS.

Kentucky is in the center of the most productive hard wood
region of the world, and as a State, can not claim a large com-
mercial supply of Pines. There are four native species in the

State :

a. Short-leaf Pine — Pinus echinata.

b. White Pine — Pinus strobus.

c. Pitch Pine — Pinus rigida.

d. Scrub Pine — Pinus virginiana.

They all have a characteristic method of growth, a tall, con-
tinuous, tapering shaft and branches arranged in horizontal layers
of imperfect whorls. The leaves are of two kinds, primary and
secondary : primary — small, scale-like, forming a sheathe, falling
early ; secondary — long, needle-like, persistent in clusters of two
to five. The flowers are of two kinds, staminate and pistillate,
arranged in small catkins on different parts of the same tree.

The fruit, a woody cone of variously shaped scales, matures
usually at the end of the second season. These cones often per-
sist for many years, but shed the seeds at maturity. The seeds,
usually winged, are borne in pairs at the base of the cone scales.

Native Trees of Kentucky 13

a. Short-leaf Pine — Pimis echinata.

Commercially, the Short-leaf Pine is Kentucky's most valuable
conifer, commonly found throughout the eastern and southeastern
counties. It is the "Yellow Pine," "Slash Pine" and "Old Field
Pine" of the mountain vernacular.

The wood, an orange or yellow brown in color, is used for
doors, sash and blinds, framing and interior finish.

This Pine and its relative, the Red Pine, are the only conifers
that can successfully resist the scourge of forest fires. The seed-
lings and even older trees can have all their leaves burnt off with-
out killing the trees. Seedlings from five to six years or older
sprout from the roots ; and young trees, when felled, are able to
reproduce themselves by sprouts from cut-over stumps. These
two unusual and valuable characteristics strongly recommend the
Short-leaf Pine for profitable and systematic management of
forest areas.

Tree — tall, slender, 50 to 60 feet high.

Bark — thick, covered with cinnamon brown scales.

Leaves — dark blue-green, flexible, in clusters of 2 or 3.

Fruit— cones, biennial, pendent; scales marked with strong
transverse ridges.

14 Native Trees of Kentucky

b. White Pine — Finns strobus.

White Pine is the largest of the conifers native to the eastern
half of North America and reaches its best development in asso-
ciation with the hard woods. Formerly, it covered vast tracks of
land in the Northern States and was the chief lumber tree of
commerce. Kentucky, at the present time, can claim a growth
of commercial value in but three counties, Lee, Wolfe and Mor-
gan. It has been generally planted over the State. White Pine
produces only from seed, and owing to the thinness of the bark,
saplings are seriously injured by fire.

Horticulturally considered, it is one of the most stately and
attractive conifers. The pronounced habit of whorled branching,
so characteristic of this Pine, is due to the arrangement of buds
on the twigs. Each twig has a circle of five buds around a cen-
tral bud or leader.- This leader grows upward and the five buds
below develop into five radiate branches. The tips of the side
branches repeat the same manner of growth.

Tree — tall ; main trunk continuous, with horizontal, wide
spreading branches.

Bark — thick, fissured with brown scaly ridges.

Leaves — long, soft, flexible, in clusters of 5.

Fruit — cones, long, pendent, biennial, falling at maturity.

Native Trees of Kentucky

c. Pitch Pine — Finns rigida.
d. Scrub Pine — Finns I'irginiana.

The Pitch and Scrub Pines are common in the mountain dis-
tricts, where they are locally used for fences, fuel and charcoal.
They are rich in resin, especially in the "pine knots.

I 'itch Pine :

Tree — trunk stout, gnarled ; branches stiff,
gar/e— irregular, confluent ridges, with red-brown scales
Leaves— ^stout, stiff, in clusters

of 3.

Fruit — cones, perennial, per-
sistent ; cone-scales,
with stiff prickles.
Scrub Pine :

Tree— trunk short, branches
spreading-, pendulous.

Bark — shallow fissures, with
dark brown scales.

Leaves — deep. dark green,
stout, in clusters of

2.

Fruit — cones, biennial, persist-
ent ; cone-scales,
spiny.

SCRUB PINE.

Trees of Kentucky

B. HEMLOCKS — GENUS TSUGA.

The only conifer that bears
its leaves on steins or petioles.
Kentucky has one native spe-
cies :

Canadian Hemlock — T s u g a
canadensis,

The Hemlock is common
throughout the mountains,
along streams, and high up
their steep, rocky banks.
Commercially, the wood is
used as second-grade building
material, and the bark contains
tannic acid in paying quanti-
ties. Grown in the open, the Hemlock is a great favorite as
an ornamental tree.

Tree — tall, pyramidal, with graceful branches, heavy with-

foliage.
Bark — furrowed into flat, confluent plates with gray-brown

scales.

Leaves — stalked, short, flat.
Fruit — cones, small, pendent, annual : cone-scales, thin.

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1 8 X'ttive Trees of Kentucky

C. P>.\u> (1\ 'I'kKss — GEXUS TAXODIUM.

One specks native- in Kentucky:

Bald Cypress — Tu.rodiuin distichum.

The Liald or Deciduous Cypress is of very ancient lineage, at
one time covering the hills and valleys of the North Temperate
regions, and extending into Iceland and Greenland. Later, it
could not hold its own with the advance of the pines and hard-
woods and was forced by competition into the low places. It is
now a typical swam]) tree.

In Kentucky, small groves are reported on the lower Green
River region and the bottom-lands of the Tennessee Valley, where
the trees reach a diameter from three to seven feet. Their large,
often hollow trunks, anchored by strong buttresses, stand in water
a part of every year. Upright projections called "knees," a char-
acteristic development of the root system, rise above the water
from three to five feet.

Cypress is a typical coniferous wood, easily worked, of even,
smooth grain, and beautiful figures. The varying colors of the
wood indicate the locality in which the tree grew.

Cypress lumber does not stain nor decay in the piles, and im-
parts neither odor nor taste to liquids. It is what the scientists
call "chemically inert." This characteristic recommends the wood
for manufacture of all kinds of tanks, churns, bee-hives and incu-
bators. Great durability and resistance to decay make Cypress
of high value for the woodwork of green-houses, for foundation
timbers, porch columns, rails and girders. It is also popular for
interior finish and is being introduced as a substitute for White
Pine in government ships.

So close is the method of manufacturing the wood that even
the diseased logs known in trade as "pecky cypress" are used for
crates, laths, shingles, covering for steam pipes and veneer core.

In parks Cypress is a highly ornamental tree.

Tree — tall, pyramidal, with tinted, flaring trunk.

Bark — thin, scaly, reddish brown.

Leaves — small, 2 — ranked, annual.

Fruit — cones, small, generally in pairs, annual.

Native Trees of Kentucky 19.

D. JUNIPERS — GENUS JUNIPERUS.

The Junipers differ in two points from other members of the
Pine Family :

1. The flowers are borne on separate trees.

2. The fruit is not a true cone, but is composed of small

fleshy scales, so coalescent in growth that they form
a sweet, resinous berry. These berries are about the
size of a pea, pale green at first, but later a dark blue
covered with a glaucous bloom.

One native species in Kentucky:

Red Cedar — Junif>cnts virginiana.

Red Cedar, found everywhere in Kentucky, is of economic
importance only in the South-central part of the State. It is a
slow-growing, long-lived tree, tolerant of shade, but indifferent
to varying conditions of soil and climate. The wood is light, soft,
close-grained, red in color and fragrant. Its durability gives it
a value for naval construction, for posts and for telegraph poles.
It is used in small cabinet work, and is extensively consumed by
the lead pencil industry, manufacturers of pencils often maintain-
ing their own forests of Red Cedar. Owing to its thin, stringy
bark and extensive root system. Red Cedar is easily damaged
by fire. It suffers serious injuries from attacks of fungus
growths ; one disease, the Cedar Apple, is of some importance.
There are three interesting phases of this Cedar Apple :

1. After spring rains, the fungus appears on the twigs of
Cedar as a purplish-brown spongy mass, which later nearly
encircles the twigs. When the apple is full grown, from the reg-
ular sections of its surface, there protrude orange-colored, tongue-
like bodies of tangled threads, each thread ending in a spore.

2. These spores, scattered by the wind, germinate only when
they fall upon the Apple tree, forming yellow patches of rust on
leaves and twigs.

3. This "apple rust" generates spores, which germinate only
when they are blown upon the branches of the Cedar.

A successful Cedar plantation must then avoid the vicinity of
the Apple orchard.

Tree — tall, conical, becoming irregular with age.

Bark — separates in long, persistent shreds of a reddish color.

Leaves — two kinds; scale-like on old stems, awl-shaped on

new stems.
Fruit— small, fleshy, dark blue berry.

2o Native Trees of Kentucky

CLASS II.— ANGIOSPERMS.

The Angiosperms include all plants that have the ovules and
seeds covered by a more or less complicated floral envelope.

This class is divided into two sub-classes, one of which is rep-
resented by the Palm Family, not indigenous to Kentucky ; the
second sub-class contains the broad leaf type of deciduous trees,
represented by the so-called soft and hard woods.

Two common characteristics of the deciduous trees are :

1. Lcoi'cs — netted veined; simple or compound, alternate,

opposite or whorled.

2. Fruit — the matured ovary, represented by various forms

and structures; nuts, acorns, berries, pods,
samaras, capsules.

Native Trees of Kentucky 21

WILLOW FAMILY— Saliciaceae.

Considering- the trees in their natural order of development,
the Willow Family ranks as the earliest type among deciduous
trees.

The family characteristics are :

1 . Trees — water-loving, rapid-growing-.

2. Leaves — alternate, simple.

3. Flowers — drooping catkins of two kinds, staminate and

pistillate on separate trees.

It is composed of two genera :
A. Genus Populus — Poplars.
P>. Genus Salix — \Yill<>\v>.

The Poplars differ from the Willows in three points :

1. Trees — large.

2. Buds — large and resinous.

3. Leaves — broad, on long stems.

The leaf stems of the Poplars are laterally flattened ; the trem-
bling, restless motion of the leaves is due to this peculiarity.

In Kentucky, Poplars are represented by three native species :

a. Cotton-wood — Populus deltoides.

b. Swamp Cotton-wood — Populus heterophylla.

e. Large-toothed Aspen — Populus grandidentata.

Native Trees of Kentucky

a. Cotton-wood — Populns dcltoidcs.

The Cotton-wood is one of the large trees found in moist
meadows and along' streams. ( irown in the open, its branches
are low. thick and spreading, easily fractured by the wind.

The wood, light and soft, is used extensively for wood pulp,
excelsior and fuel.

The tree is particularly adapted for protecting lands subject
to overflow from debris or erosion, and .for ornamental planting
along canals.

Deltoides refers to the shape of the leaf, which has the form
of the Greek letter, Delta.

Tree — trunk tall, 50 to 80 feet, often 4 feet in diameter.

Bark — gray-green, thick and deeply fissured; twigs smooth
with long, resinous buds.

Leaves — broadly triangular, toothed, long pointed, firm in
texture.

Fruit — long capsules : seeds numerous, covered with cottony
hairs.

Native Trees of Kentucky 23

b. Swamp Co ft (in-wood — Popiilns heteroph\l!a.

The Swamp Cotton-wood or Downy Poplar is recorded as
the fastest growing tree native to America.

In Kentucky its swamp associates are Red Maple, Tupelo,
Sweet Gum and the water-loving" Oaks. The Cotton-wood's su-
preme intolerance of shade soon causes it to outstrip its com-
petitors and assume the dominant position in the swam]).

The wood is soft and extensively used for cheap furniture,
veneer core, and pulp wood.

The annual seed production is abundant: the seeds are equip-
ped with fine, cottony hairs.

A distinctive feature of this tree is the orange-colored pith.

Tree — large, with small crown.

Bark — brown, thick, scaly like Shaghark Hickory.

Leaves — broad and long, toothed, with cottony lining.

Fruit — pointed capsules; seeds covered with silky down.

c. Large-toothed Aspen — Populus grandidentata.

In habit, distribution. Mowers and flattened leaf stem, the
Large-toothed Aspen resembles the other members of the genus.
The conspicuously large, incurved teeth on the scalloped margins
of the leaves are responsible for its descriptive name.

The weak, soft wood is used for paper pulp.

Tree — medium size, with narrow, rounded top.

Bark — thin, pale brownish green, fissured.

Leaves — heart-shaped at base, coarse, thick, cottony on under

N

side, coarsely toothed.
Fruit — cone-shaped, hairy capsules, filled with downy seeds.

24 Xntive Trees of Kentucky

B. Wn.mws — GENUS SAI.IX.

There are three species native to Kentucky :

a. Black Willow — Salix nigra.

b. Longleaf Willow — Salix rluviatilis.

c. Pussy Willow — Salix discolor.

The Willows are medium sized trees, characterized by short,
thick trunks, manv low branches, and furrowed, scaly bark. The
leaves are typically long and slender, short stemmed, tapering at
both ends, showing a variety of greens. As the stumps sprout
easily and the twigs root freely, the problem of reproduction
among Willows is simple. This rapid growth, sturdiness and
extensive branching make Willows valuable for wind-break plant-
ing.

The bark yields an important drug.

Next to Oaks, Willows have more natural enemies among
scales, borers and leaf eaters than any other trees, while the
havoc among them from fungus diseases is of economic im-
portance.

Native Trees of Kentucky 25

a. Black Willow — Sali.v nigra.

Tree — largest of the Willows.

Bark — black, shaggy.

Leaves — green on both sides, with a persistent pair of small,

heart-shaped stipules at the base.
Fruit — capsules in loose clusters.

b. Lon^lcuf irilloic — S\ili.\- fluviatilis.

Longleaf or Sand-bar \Yillow is peculiarly an American type.
Tree — small, much branched.
Bark — dark brown, scaly.

Leaves — narrow, 2 to 6 inches long, silky when young, coarse-
ly toothed, tapering at both end-.
Fruit — capsules light brown, with short stem.

c. Piissv or Glaucous JFillou' — Sali.v discolor.
Tree — small, shrub-like, with purplish twigs.
Bark — brown, tinged with red.
Leaves — thick, firm, silvery white below.
Fruit — capsules cylindrical, with long points.

26 Native Trees of Kentucky

WALNUT FAMILY-Juglandaceae.

The name of this family is a contraction of the Latin, Jovis
glans, the nut of Jupiter: it is represented by two genera:
A. Gems Julians — Walnuts.
P>. (ienus Ilicoria — Hickories.

They have four common features:

1. Aromatic hard wood.

2. Leaves — alternate, compound.

3. Flowers — catkins of two kinds ; staminate and pistillate

on the same tree.

4. Fruit — woody nut enclosed in a fibrous husk.
They have two different characteristics:

In Walnut:

1. Twigs have champered pith.

2. Xuts are rough, with persistent, undivided husk.
In Hickory :

1. Twigs have solid pith.

2. Xuts are smooth with a four-valved divided husk.

A. WAI. NUT — GENUS JUGLANS.

The Walnut of Kentucky has two species :
</. Black Walnut — Juglans nigra.
b. White Walnut — Juglans cinerea.

Native Trees of Kentucky

a. Black Walnut — Juglans nigra.

In the original hardwood forests of the State, the Black
Walnut was nowhere found in pure stands, but associated with
Maples, Oaks, Hickories, Basswood and Cherry. The natural
conditions for growth are the rich, low bottom lands or fertile
hillsides, which are protected from cold, destructive winds. In
these situations, the trunk lengthens into a tall shaft without
branches for a distance of from 50 to 60 feet. Because the wood
split easily and was durable, the early settlers cleared the timber
off ruthlessly for fence posts and rails; later, it was so extensively
cut for furniture, cabinet work and gun stocks that the present
stand in Kentucky is mostly a scattered second growth. In the
market it is priced with Mahogany ; a large, well grown forest
Walnut is worth more than the best acre of farm land.

The word "feather" is the name applied to the cone-shaped
piece of figured wood in the crotch of a tree. The "feather" in
Walnut is highly prized as a material for fancy veneers in cabinet
work, and is especially used in the manufacture of high-priced
gun stocks. The burls or blisters, caused by abrasions or other
injuries in the bark of Walnut, are also valuable for special
veneers. Walnut roots are now carefully dug out and highly
prized for their beautiful figures by manufacturers of hardwood
veneers.

The Walnut does not reproduce by suckers ; the stumps
sprout sparingly, but the seeds, if planted under favorable con-
ditions, grow rapidly. A tree 12 to 15 years old will begin to
bear nuts, and is large enough for fence posts. The foliage is
thin, appearing late in the spring and falling early in the autumn,
thus giving a good opportunity for a rich undergrowth of blue
grass for cattle in small plantations.

Tree — in the open, short, with massive symmetrical crown.

Bark — dark, rough, broadly furrowed.

Leaves — pinnately compound ; leaflets arranged in sessile pairs,
aromatic.

Fruit — an edible nut, enclosed in an aromatic, spongy, per-
sistent husk.

xlJ^-.

BI.ACK WALNUT. BEAVER CREEK, FI.OYD CO., KV.

Native Trees of Kentucky

b. ir/iifc U'uliuit — Jiiglans cincrca.

The White Walnut or Hutternut is found in second growth
throuhout the State, hut is most common in the mountain re-

gons.

The wood is of a light brown color, with satiny lustre. It
is much used for furniture, interior finish and veneering. The
inner bark has cathartic properties, and the husks of the nuts
furnish a yellow dye.

The distinctive features of \\~hite Walnut which serve to
distinguish it from IHack Walnut are:

Bark — lighter gray, with broader ridges.

Young branches and leaf stems covered with clammy hairs.

Lea-res — usually with a long-stemmed, terminal leaflet.

Fruit — in clusters of 2 to 5 : husks sticky, oblong.

Native Trees of Kentucky

B. HICKORIES — GENUS HICKORIA.

The Hickories are found only in American forests, and with
one exception are confined to the States east of the Rocky Moun-
tains.

Hickory is an Indian name, derived from a drink which the
Indians made by pounding the nuts in water.

In Kentucky, Hickories are found mixed with other hard-
woods in rich, fertile soil where a long', vigorous taproot can
penetrate easily into a moist sub-soil. Forest-grown, the whole
group has the characteristic habit of a tall, tapering shaft, reach-
ing a height of from 60 to 100 feet, with a trunk from 2 to 4
feet in diameter.

The wood, tough, strong and flexible, is extensively used in
the manufacture of farm implements, carriages and wagons. As
fuel. Hickory excels all other wood. There is an increasing
demand for the timber, second growth finding a ready market ;
young sprouts, because of their flexibility and toughness, are used
in making baskets and barrel hoops. A Hickory five years old
has a money value. They are valuable nut trees ; Hickory or-
chards under systematic cultivation are considered paying invest-
ments.

Stately and picturesque, they are highly ornamental for parks
and lawns.

32 Native Trees of Kentucky

The Hickories, characterized by nuts with thick outer husks
and hard shells, provide most of the desirable wood of this genus.
They are represented in Kentucky by six species :
(/. Shagbark — Hicoria ovata.
/'. Kingmit — Hicoria laciniosa.

c. Ulack Hickory — Hicoria glabra.

d. Mockernut — Hicoria alba.
c. Pecan — Hicoria pecan.

/". Bitternut — Hicoria minima.

(/. Shagbctrk Hickory — Hicoria oral a.

The Shagbark, often called Shellbark or Scalybark, is the best
known of this family because of its liberal distribution.
Tree — tall, slender, with narrow crown.
Bark — light gray, separating into long, loose plates attached

in the middle ; young bark, light and smooth.
Leaves — 5 to 7 leaflets ; terminal one, broad : lower pair, small.
Fruit — nuts small, white, sweet and edible.

Native Trees of Kentucky 33

b. Kingnitt — Hicoria laciniosa.

The Kingnut, often called Bignut Hickory, is similar in ap-
pearance to Shagbark. It grows mainly in the rich bottom lands
that are often subject to overflow.

Tree — tall, straight and slender, with short branches.
Bark — less scaly, branchlets stout, a yellow or orange color.
Leaves — 7 to 9 leaflets, leaf stalk abruptly thickened at base,
persistent and curling back after leaf-fall in
autumn.
l:rnit — nuts large, white ; kernel, sweet.

c. Black Hickory — Hicoria glabra.

The Black Hickory, improperly called Pignut and often known
in the trade as "Switch Top," furnishes the bulk of Hickory cut
in Kentucky.

Tree — smaller than Shagbark.

Bark — smooth, becoming slightly flaked in advanced years.

Leaves — 3 to 7 leaflets, leaf stalks, slender, smooth.

Fruit — nuts, rounded both ends.

BLACK HICKORY. MERCER co., KY.

Height 97 feet.

Native Trees of Kentucky 35

(/. Mockernitt — Hicoria alba.

This is known as Bigbud or \Yhite Hickory. The wide sap
wood, which is white, justifies the trade name. White Hickory.
Tree — slender, often with a crooked trunk.
Bark — ridged, never scaly, twigs hairy.
Leaves — 5 to 9 leaflets, fragrant; leaf stalk hairy; terminal

winter buds, large, downy.

Fruit — nuts, red-brown with strongly scented kernel, very
small.

e. Pecan — l-licorui pecan.

The Pecan, formerly only valuable as a nut tree, is now be-
coming prominent in the lumber markets.
Tree — tall, with thick trunk and wide top.
Bark — red-brown, deeply and narrowly furrowed.
Leaves — 11 to 15 leaflets, with short stalks.
Pruit — nuts, red-brown, cylindrical, shell thin, kernel sweet,
edible.

/. Bittenint — Hicoria minima.

The Ritternut or Willow Hickory, finds its southern limit in
Kentucky. This is a rapid growing, ornamental tree.

q

Tree — tall, slender, with narrow sap region.
Bark — reddish gray, shallow fissures.
Leaves — 5 to 9 leaflets, leaf stalk, hairy.
F,-uif — nuts, gray, shell thin, kernel bitter.

36 Native Trees of Kentucky

BIRCH FAMILY— Betulaceae.

The Birch Family consists of five divisions or genera, found
abundantly in the cooler portions of the North Temperate Zone.

There are three genera of these trees in Kentucky, but no
member of this family noticeably affects the forests of the State.

A. Genus Carpinus — Hornbeam.

B. Genus Ostrya — Hop Hornbeam, Irnnwond.

C. Genus Betula — Birches.

The chief characteristics of these genera are :

1. Leaves — alternate, simple, toothed.

2. Flowers — catkins of two kinds : staminate and pistillate

on the same tree.

3. Fruit — cone-like structure of leafy scales.

Native Trees of Kentucky 37

A. HORNBEAM — GENUS CARPINUS.
American Hornbeam — Carpinus caroliniana.

The American Hornbeam is a small tree, growing everywhere
in Kentucky along waterways, under the shade of taller trees.

The wood is dense, hard and so difficult to work that it has
merited the name of Hornbeam.

The trunk is characterized by long sinewy swellings that twist
slightly up to the branches. The close gray bark gives the name
Water Beech to the tree. It is of slow growth, but well adapted
for ornamental planting.

Tree — low, with irregular branches, slender, stiff twigs.

Bark — close, bluish gray, smooth like Beech.

Leaves — long, pointed, irregularly doubly toothed, unequal
sided at base.

Fruit — loose terminal clusters of leaf-like, 3-lobed bracts, each
containing a pair of small, hard nuts.

B. HOP HORNBEAM — GENUS OSTRYA.
Ironu'ood — Ostrya virginiana.

The Ironwood or Hop Hornbeam occurs among the low trees,
forming the understory of dry fertile woodlands throughout the
State. The wood is close-grained, so hard and tough that it is
known in commerce as Ironwood, and is used for small articles
where durability is a necessity; such as mallets, wedges, tooth-
handles and levers. It resembles liirch in leaf spray and ar-
rangement of green catkins, which hang all winter in groups of
three from the ends of branches. The fruit so closely resembles
the fruit of the garden Hop vine that it has given the name to
the tree.

Tree — small, slender round head, often broad as high.

Bark — light brown, furrowed into scaly ridges which flake off.

Leaves — thin, doubly toothed, long pointed with short hairy
stems.

Fruit clusters of bladder-like leaves, each containing a small,

hard seed.

38 Native Trees of Kentvckv

C. BIRCHES — GENUS BETULA.

There are three species native in Kentucky :

a. Water Birch- — Betula nigra.

b. Yellow or Gray Birch — Betula lutea.

c. Black Birch — Betula lenta.

The Birches are trees of singular beauty because of , their
graceful branches, their tattered bark, and delicate leaf spray.
They grow rapidly from seed, are easily transplanted and flourish
best in the forests when associated with other trees.

The young bark of all Birches is conspicuously marked with
horizontal slits or lenticels, frequently separating into thin, papery
plates. The wood, often called American Mahogany, is close-
grained, hard, tough, and capable of a fine satiny finish.

Because of the richness of its color and the beauty of its grain,
the Birch industry has been highly developed for house trimmings,
especially for floors and doors. The hardness of the wood makes
it of great service in boat construction, and in the manufacture
of ox-yokes, tools and hubs.

Curly growth in Birch commands a high price in the veneer
factories. The curl runs lengthwise of the tree, making the fig-
ures of a different type from those of Tulip Trees or Ash.

Native Trees of Kentucky 39

a. Water Birch — Bctnla iiigra.

The water-loving Birch is abundant in Kentucky on the banks
of streams, especially in the mountain regions.

Tree — tall, usually divided into several main limbs slightly

spreading.

Bark — dark, reddish brown, peeling freely in thin layers.
Leaves — 1 to 3 inches long, doubly toothed, somewhat lobed,

midrib stout.

Fruit — cones, erect, cylindrical, stalked; nuts, oval with broad
wings.

b. Yellow or Gray Birch — Bctnla Intea.

The Yellow or Gray Birch is rare except in the higher moun-
tains.

Tree — large, with drooping lower branches, delicate spray.
Bark — conspicuously silver gray or yellow, peeling freely,

bitter.
Leaves — 3 to 4 inches long, doubly toothed, midrib stout, veins

prominent.

Fruit — cones erect, often stalked ; nuts oblong, acute at both
ends, wider than its wings.

40 Native Trees of Kentucky

c. Cherry or Black Birch — Betula lenta.

The Black Birch is common through the mountains and found
scattered through the western part of the State. It has several
common names, Cherry Birch, Sweet Birch, Mahogany Birch,
each derived from a prominent character of the tree. The outer
bark of the middle-aged trunks and young branches is smooth
and shiny like the garden Cherry tree. The inner bark is spicy
and sweetly scented, yielding by distillation a birch oil which is
identical with wintergreen. This oil is used for flavoring and is
the essential agent in a medicine for rheumatism.

Due to the difference between the annual rings, the wood has
a clouded effect and. when cut for veneer, is strongly figured like
Mahogany.

Tree — tall, graceful, with drooping lower limbs.

Bark — smooth, dark brown, shiny in young trees, becoming
deeply fissured in old trees.

Leaves — 2 to 6 inches long, doubly toothed, veins prominent
on under side.

Fruit — cones, erect, sessile ; nuts with narrow wings.

Native Trees of Kentucky 41

BEECH FAMILY— Fagaceae.

Commercially and horticulturally, the Beech Family is the
largest and most prominent among- broad-leaved trees of North
America. It is divided into three genera, found abundantly in
the forests of Kentucky.

A. Genus Fagus — Beech.

B. Genus Castanea — Chestnuts.

C. Genus Quercus — Oaks.

They are all trees of valuable hard wood and long life; char-
acterized by

1. Leaves — alternate, simple, lobed or scalloped.

2. Flowers — two kinds on the same tree.

3. Fruit — prickly burs or open scaly cups, containing nuts.

Native Trees of Kentucky

American Beech — Fagus
ferruginea.

In rich, alluvial bottom
lands or low fertile hill-
sides of Kentucky, the
Beech forms pure stands
of considerable extent ;
this gregarious habit is
due to its tolerance of
shade and its three suc-
cessful modes of repro-
duction :

1. An abundant crop of

seedlings.

2. An Extensive' root

system growing
near the surface
sending up many
young shoots.

3. Cut-over stumps

sprouting readily
from the wood
.lext to the bark.

Commercially, Beech is gaining in importance; the wood, so
subject to decay in contact with the soil, has now been made
prominent in the market by improved methods of preserva-
tion. It is used for railroad ties; in house construction for joists;
it competes with Maple, Birch and Oak for flooring, and is serv-
iceable for agricultural implements, for household utensils, for
building sluices and dams.

As Beech demands good soil and is of slow growth, its place
in the forest, under systematic management, will be given in the
future to faster growing trees ; to Tulip Trees, Ash, Basswood,
Hickory and other commercial hard woods.

As an ornamental shade tree, the Beech has no rival. Its habit
of low extensive branching and its massive foliage of varying
color, offer great attractions for landscape planting.

Tree — large, round-topped with horizontal and drooping

branches.

Bark — close, smooth, light gray.
Leaves — thin, taper-pointed, prominent veins ending in teeth

at the margin.

Fruit — annual burs with recurved prickles, containing two tri-
angular, edible nuts.

Native Trees of Kentucky

43

B. CHESTNUTS — GENUS CASTANEA.

There are two species native to Kentucky:

a. Chestnut — Castanea dentata.

b. Chinquapin — Castanea pumila.

a. Chestnut — Castanea dentata.

The Chestnut is among the
largest of the hardwood trees.
As its best development de-
pends more upon good drain-
age than rich soil, it is found
most abundantly in the moun-
tain regions above 1200 feet.
It is common through the up-
per Green River region, but
nowhere grows lustily on lime-
stone soil.

The tannic acid in the wood
preserves it from decay when
in contact with the soil, so that
the timber is in great demand
at a good price for mine tim-
ber, railroad ties, telegraph and
telephone poles. The Chestnut is such a rapid grower that two
crops of poles can be grown in the same time that most trees
produce one crop of saw timber. For cabinet work and furni-
ture, the lumber approaches the ( )ak in value. The nuts are also
of commercial importance. Grown in the open, the Chestnut is
highly prized for its depth of shade and beauty of foliage and
flowers.

As a forest tree it is little troubled by insects or fungi, but
park trees, in the last two years, have been killed in great numbers
by a fungus growth that has not yet been checked.

44 Native Trees of Kentucky

The. fragrant flowers bloom in mid summer: staminate, in long
cream-colored catkins, clustered in tufts at the tips of the new
growth ; pistillate, inconspicuous nut flowers, solitary, or few
below the staminate, on the same green shoots.

Tree — tall, with large trunk and broad spreading branches.
Bark — brown, thick, furrowed into flat oblique ridges.
Leaves — long, elliptical, tapering at both ends, regularly

veined, conspicuously toothed ; appearing late.
Fruit — annual spiny burs opening after frost ; nuts flattened
on one side, hairy at apex, scarred at base, sweet and
edible.

b. Chinquapin — Castanea pumila.

The Chinquapin is found in dry, sandy situations throughout
the State.

The wood, hard and strong, is durable in contact with the soil
and is much used for fence posts and railroad ties.

As an ornamental tree, the Chinquapin is worthy of a place
in our parks and lawns.

The flowers, appearing in May or June, are of two kinds,
staminate and pistillate, borne on the same tree.

Tree — small, trunk short, branches slender.

Bark — broken in loose brown scales.

Leaves — oblong, thick, sharply toothed, prominently veined.

Fruit — spiny burs, lined with silky hairs, containing usually
but one nut, sweet and edible.

Native Trees of Kentucky 45

C. OAKS — GENUS QUERCUS.

The Oaks are represented in Kentucky by more large trees
than any other genus or family.

They are a splendid feature in the landscape and of the high-
est economic rank in the commerce of the State.

Oaks are divided into two distinct groups, according to their
acorns and the margins of the leaves.

1. White Oak group has annual acorns, rounded leaf lobes;
represented in Kentucky by eight species :

a. White Oak — Quercus alba.

b. Bur Oak — Quercus macrocarpa.

c. Post Oak — Quercus minor.

d. Overcup Oak — Quercus lyrata.
c. Chestnut Oak — Quercus prinus.

f. Chinquapin Oak — Quercus acuminata.

g. Swamp White Oak — Quercus platanoides.
/?. Basket Oak — Quercus michauxii.

The first four are deeply lobed, the others slightly lobed or
scalloped, like Chestnut.

2. Black Oak group has biennial acorns, and sharp spiny-
pointed leaf lobes : represented in Kentucky by thirteen species :

a. Red Oak — Quercus rubra.

b. Black Oak — Quercus velutina.

c. Scarlet Oak — Quercus coccinea.
(/. Texan Oak — Quercus texana.
c. Pin Oak — Quercus palustris.

/. Spanish Oak — Quercus digitata.

g. Swamp Spanish Oak — Quercus pagodaefolia.

//. Black Jack — Quercus marilandica.

i. Shingle Oak — Quercus imbricaria.

/'. Willow Oak — Quercus phellos.

k. Bear Oak — Quercus nana.

/. Water Oak — Quercus nigra.

///. Laurel Oak — Ouercus laurifolia.

46

Native Trees of Kentucky

No. 1. a. White Oak — Oiiercus alba.

The \Yhite Oak, so called
because of its pale gray bark,
is at this time the most widely
distributed, most abundant and
most valuable tree of our Ken-
tucky forests, where it reaches
a magnificent size. It repro-
duces itself by seeds and
sprouts, has a long tap root re-
inforced by an extensive sys-
tem of lateral roots. For
thrifty growth, it does not de-
mand a rich soil, but prefers
well-drained, protected situa-
tions, with plenty of light.

The wood of the White Oak
outranks all other species in general usefulness. It is in the
highest demand for ship building and heavy construction work,
for vehicles, farm implements, railroad ties, posts, interior finish
and furniture. Its extensive use for tight cooperage has given
it the name of Stave Oak. In parks, it is highly prized for its
symmetry of form and attractive coloring.

The flowers appear when the leaves are half grown : stami-
nate, in clusters of long yellow tassels ; pistillate, or nut flowers,
in pairs on short stalks.

Tree — very broad, with stout, spreading, irregular branches.
Bark — gray, with shallow fissures in flat ridges.
Lccri'cs — 5 to 9 inches long, with 5 to 7 obliquely ascending
lobes which are themselves often slightly lobed ;
sinuses very deep.

-acorns, long and slender, nuts enclosed in shallow
scaly cups. These mature early every autumn, fall
immediately and germinate readily in fresh soil or
beds of leaves. No acorns are found on \Yhite
Oak in winter.

Fruit-

-v,- .«trt — '•,"" '• • •.'.' \ ;'
WHITE OAK — OUERCUS ALBA. HOPKINS CO. KV.

Native Trees of Kentucky

No. 1. b. Bur Oak — Quercus inacrocarpa.

The l>ur or Mossy Cup Oak,
the largest of Kentucky's Oaks,
is found in low wet grounds
west of the mountains.

The wood is sold with White
Oak in the lumber markets.
The distinguishing features of
ihir Oak are: (1) a mossy
fringe about the rim of the
large deep cup, (2) large,
unequally divided leaves, (3,
corky winged branches.
Tree — large and heavy, with
spreading, shaggy,
corky-winged branches.
Bark— dark, deeply furrowed.

Leaves — long, divided into unequal halves by deep sinuses ;
upper half long and broad with scalloped or lobed
margins ; lower half, short, lobed, tapering to the
stem.

Fruit — acorns, large and round, set deeply in scaly, mossy
fringed cups.

. *»*

BUR OAK— OUERCUS MACROCARPA. HOPKINS CO.. KY

Trees of Kentucky

No. 1. c. Post Oak — Qitcrcus minor.

The Post Oak is found all over the State, but is of commer-
cial importance only west of the Blue Grass region.

The wood is used for posts, ties and cooperage or wherever
durability is desired in contact with soil or water. Post Oak
is an excellent park tree.

The foliage is a ready means of identification ; the form of the
normal leaf is almost cross-shaped.

Tree — medium height, with
low twisted branches
and close round top.
Bark — dark, deep furrows cov-
ered with scales.
Leaves — lower pair of five
lobes small, middle
pair broad and gen-
tly lobed, terminal
lobe itself 3-lobed ;
texture of leaves
thick, leathery,
roughened by mi-
nute hairs.

Fruit — acorns, small, usually
sessile in groups of 2
to 3.

POST OAK— OUERCUS MINOR. HOPKINS CO., KY.

Native Trees of Kentucky

No. 1. d. Overcup Oak — Qucrcus l\rata.

The ,'OVercup or Swamp Post Oak is a native of low river
bottoms and swamps, in the western part of the State. The wood
is not differentiated from While ( )ak in the lumber markets.

The nut, almost enclosed by the scaly cup, gives the descrip-
tive name to this species and is an easy guide to identification.
Tree — large, trunk dividing into several main branches.
Bark — reddish gray, shedding in thick scaly plates.

Leaves — 3 to 5 pairs of oblong, pointed lobes with broad mid-
dle sinuses.

Fruit — acorns, small, rounded, often entirely enclosed by
rough, scaly cups.

No. 1. e. Chestnut Oak — Quercus prinus.

The Chestnut Oak takes its name from the resemblance of its
leaves to those of the Chestnut.

As the more tolerant Maple, Beech and Hemlock disappear
in the ascent up steep ridges. Chestnut Oak increases. In the
Cumberland River district, which is the second heaviest timbered
region of Kentucky, Chestnut Oak forms one of the four
abundant forest trees. It is also found on sterile dry situations
in the central and western part of the State.

Neither the leaves nor the twigs are seriously damaged by
insects and fungi, but the wood is discolored by the burrowing
of minute larvae during the process of seasoning. These black
specks, filled with sawdust, enlarge, reducing the grade of timber
in the markets. The largest and soundest logs are sold with
\Yhite Oak and utilized for the same purposes. The Chestnut
Oak, however, is seldom quarter-sawed because of its poor silver
grain.

The bark is used extensively in the tanneries ; it is this tannic
extract that has named the tree Tanbark Oak.

Tree — large, usually divided into several main branches.

Bark — very dark, fissured in deep, rough ridges.

Leaves — resembling Chestnut without the pronounced toothed

xs>
margin.

Fruit — acorns, single or in pairs ; nuts more than half im-
bedded in round, scaly cups.

Native Trees of Kentucky

53

No. 1. f. Chinquapin Oak — Oncrcns acinniiiata.

The Chinquapin, or Narrow-
leaved Chestnut Oak, grows
along the rocky banks of
streams in the mountains. It
is also found abundantly on
limestone ridges.

The wood, very strong and
close-grained, is difficult to sea-
son, but is used for railroad
ties, barrels and fencing.

Attractive in form and foli-
age, the Chinquapin deserves
a prominent place in parks and
on large lawns.

The tree is often called
Yellow Chestnut Oak from the yellow green of its foliage.
Tree — tall, straight, with wide spreading base.
Bark — close, rough, separating into brown scales.
Leaves — long-, narrow, taper-pointed, coarsely toothed, crowd-
ed together at ends of branches.

Fruit — acorns, small and sweet ; nuts set one-half of their
length, in fringy rimmed cups.

54

Trees of Kentucky

No. 1. g. -SV(//;//> ll'liitc Oak — Qucrcns platanoidcs.

Swamp White ( >ak is found commercially in the moist situa-
tions of Western Kentucky.

In habit, it resembles White Oak; the wood also is sim-
ilar, but of an inferior quality.

The two-toned surface of its leaves justifies the botanical
name, bicolor.

, , - ,, - Tree — tall, straight, with large

trunk often buttressed
at the base.

Bark — dark brown, shedding
in sheets like Syca-
more.

Lca-rcs — broad, with narrow
tip and base ; yellow
screen above, pale,
downy white, be-
neath.

Fruit — acorns on long', slender
stems ; oblong nuts
deeply set in saucer-
shaped cups, covered
with thick, woolly
scales.

S\VAMP WHITE OAK — OUERCUS I'l.ATANOJDKS. HOPKINS CO., KV.

Native Trees of Kentucky

No. 1. //. Basket Oak — Onercus iniclian.vii.

The I'asket Oak, or Cow Oak, found abundantly in low
grounds of Western Kentucky, ranks close to White Oak in qual-
ity and price. As the wood splits easily, it is especially valuable
in the manufacture of baskets and crates. Owing to the sweet-
ness and abundance of its acorn, Basket Oak ranks among the
foremost mast trees of the Oak Family.

It is the handsomest of the Chestnut Leaved Oaks, deserving
recognition as an ornamental park tree for wet situations.

Tree — undivided straight trunk, with large full crown.

Bark — separates into thin plates of pale gray color.

Leaves — broadly oblong, with narrow base and coarsely scal-
loped margins.

Fruit — acorns, sweet, edible ; nuts deeply seated in saucer-
shaped cups, with hairy fringed rims.

Native Trees of Kentucky 59

No. 2. — BLACK OAK GROUP.

Of the Black Oak group there are four species of great com-
mercial importance in Kentucky :

a. Red Oak — Ouercus rubra.

b. Black Oak — Ouercus velutina.

c. Scarlet Oak — Ouercus coccinea.

d. Texan ( )ak — Ouercus texana.

Between the lumber of Red Oak and Black Oak there is
little preference shown in the market, and between the trees, small
basis for a close habit classification.

They are both found all over Kentucky in gravelly, clay soils
of slopes and ridges.

The wood of each is heavy, hard and strong ; more easily
worked than White Oak. but inferior in quality where great
strength or contact with the ground is required.

The bark of each is rich in tannic acid used for tanning leather.
Both have oblong leaves, more or less acute at the 3-toothed
apex, and wedge-shaped at the base. The 7 to 9 irregularly
toothed lobes are furnished with bristly points.
Two points of difference may be considered :

Red Oak — inner bark, red ; acorns, large, bitter ; nuts en-
closed only at base in shallow scaly cups,
often persistent after nuts have fallen.
Black Oak — inner bark, orange yellow : acorns, smaller ;
nuts enclosed to one-half their size in scaly
cups.

60 Native Trees of Kentucky

No. 2. c. Scarlet Oak — Oucrcus coccinca.

The Scarlet Oak, found all over the State on high, dry ground,
is strongly resistent to fire, and sprouts abundantly from stumps.

The wood is sold with second-grade Red Oak.

Its attractive form and brilliant autumn foliage give the
Scarlet Oak great advantages as a park tree.

Tree — tall, lower branches wide spreading, head narrow.

Bark — red brown, with shallow fissures.

Leaves — general outline of the Red and Black Oak, but of a
thinner texture and more deeply lobed.

Fruit — acorns, resembling those of Black Oak, with kernels of
nuts white, instead of yellow.

No. 2. d. Te.van Oak — Oucrcus tc.rana.

The Texan Oak is the tallest of our Black Oak group. It
grows in moist bottomlands of the western part of the State,
especially along the lower Green River.

The valuable wood is priced with Red Oak and used for the
same purposes.

It resembles Scarlet Oak in foliage and Red Oak in fruit.

TEXAN OAK— OUKRCUS TEXANA. HOPKINS Co., KY.

62 Native 1 rees oj Kentucky

\o. 2. c. Pin Oak — Qiiercns palnstris.

The Pin Oak is common in wet land all over the State.

The wood checks and warps seriously ; and is used principally
for shingles.

The Pin Oak is a rapid-growing ( )ak and easily transplanted ;
it is extensively used as a shade tree along- driveways, on lawns
and in parks.

The secondary branches are numerous, so small and fine that
they probably warrant the common name. Pin Oak.

Tree — handsome pyramidal outline, with single unbroken
shaft like Cypress.

Bark — dark gray, nearly smooth.

Leaves — borne on long stems ; 5 to 9 oblong deeply-cut lobes,
with sharp, bristly tipped teeth.

J:ntit — acorns, small ; nuts, striped, set in shallow, soucer-
shaped cups.

No. 2. /. Spanish Oak — Qnercns digitata.

The Spanish Oak is found on dry, gravelly or sandy soil, but
most abundant in the southeastern part of the State, west of the
mountains.

The wood, strong and coarse-grained, checks badly while sea-
soning, and is not prominent in the lumber markets.

The unique and varied shape of the foliage makes the Spanish
Oak an attractive ornamental tree.

Leaves — oval in outline, drooping in habit and covered with
down on the under surface ; terminal lobe, elon-
gated, so deeply and variously cut as to challenge
any uniform description.

Fruit — acorns, long, slender : nuts set about one-fourth of
length, in top-shaped, scaly cups.

PIN OAK — OUERCUS PALUSTRIS. HOPKINS CO., KY.

64 Native Trees of Kentucky

No. 2. g. Swamp Spanis/i Oak — Oitercus pagodaefoliit.

This Oak, similar to forms of the Spanish Oak, is found
sparingly on swamp borders and along streams west of moun-
tain regions.

The wood, hard, strong and tough, is valued highly for con-
struction.

Tree — tall, with massive trunk and narrow head.

Bark — thick, covered with brown plate-like scales.

Leaves — 5 to 11 lobes, with wide sinuses; dark green above,
persistently woolly beneath.

Fruit — acorns on short stalks ; nuts set about one-half of
length in hairy-lined, top-shaped cups.

No. 2. h. Black Jack — Onercits marilandica.

The P>lack lack; or Barren Oak is found on dry, barren ridges
everywhere in Kentucky. The tree is of slow growth, checks
badly in seasoning, and is used commercially only in the manu-
facture of charcoal.

Growing on the dryest, poorest soil with huckleberries and
reindeer moss, this black-trunked, stunted tree can easily be iden-
tified by the peculiar shape of its thick leathery leaves. Pear-
shaped in general outline, they vary in form from a broad tip
without lobes, to one, three, or five-lobed with sharp bristly points.

y • - -,

/•: ..

'*W' '»

, ,

' " '"^ " ' "'

' ' J

SWAMP SPANISH OAK — OL'ERCL'S PAC.ODAEFOLIA. HOPKINS CO., KV.

66 Native Trees of Kentucky

No. 2. /. Shingle Oak — Qiiercus imbricaria.
j. irillou' Oak — Quercus phcllos.
k. Laurel Oak — Ouercns laurifolia.

These three Oaks are found scattered in moist situations of
the Trade Water district of Western Kentucky.

The Shingle Oak receives its name from the manufacture of
its wood into shingles.

The others are not prominent in the lumber markets, but their
wood is used locally for wagon making and light construction
work.

Owing to their rapid growth, wide spreading lower branches,
and slender, glossy unlobed leaves, they deserve extensive plant-
ing as ornamental shade trees.

In Louisville, the Willow Oak in Central Park remains green
far into the winter.

No. 2. /. Water Oak — Ouercns nigra.

The Water Oak is found along borders of streams in the
western part of the State.

The leaves resemble leaves of Black Jack in outline, but
are smaller, of thinner texture and without the prominent bristly
points.

Xo. 2. HI. Bear Oak — Oitercits nana.

The Bear Oak is a small, much branched shrub-like tree,
forming close thickets on dry, sterile regions of the State.

The leaves are small, oval in outline, with 5 to 7 short tri-
angular lobes strongly bristle-tipped, like Holly.

WATER OAK — QUERCfS N1GRA. HARLAN CO.. KY.

68 Native Trees of Kentucky

ELM FAMILY— Ulmaceae.

This family contains two genera native to Kentucky
A. Genus Ulmus — Elms.
P>. Genus Celtis — Hackberries.

A. ELMS — GENUS ULMUS.

a. White Elm — Ulmus americana.

b. Slippery Elm — Ulmus pubescens.

c. Rock Elm — Ulmus racemosa.
</. Winded Elm — Ulmus alata.

Native Trees of Kentucky

69

a. White Elm — Ulmus americana.

The 'White or American
Elm is among the largest of
the hard wood trees found in
mixed forests everywhere in
the State. Forest grown, the
trunk is often clear of branches
for fifty feet. Grown in the
open, the trunk divides near
the base into three or four
main branches, which rise with
slight divergence, giving to the
tree the form of an inverted
cone.

The wood, strong, fibrous
and difficult to split, is em-
ployed in interior finish and
furniture, for hubs of wheels,
agricultural implements and cheese boxes. It is fast becoming
important lumber for slack cooperage.

The planting of Elm as a park tree has almost been dis-
continued because of the ravages of insects.

The flowers are perfect, inconspicuous, appearing before the
leaves in early spring.

Tree— tail, graceful, typically vase-shaped.

Bark — dark gray, divided by deep fissures into scaly ridges.

Leaves — alternate, simple, coarsely toothed, unequal at base,
slightly rough on upper surface.

Fruit — small, flat nutlets, with circular notched wings called
samaras, ripening before the leaves appear.

7o X alive Trees of Kentucky

b. Slippery El in — U I in us pubescent.

The Slippery Elm is most abundant in the rich river valleys
of the State ; but is often found on sterile cliffs and limestone
ridges where it has great power of resisting drought.

Unlike most timber, the sapwood, when properly dried, is as
durable as heart wood, so that very small trees can be used for
fence posts. The wood is used for furniture, wheel hubs and
most extensively employed in slack cooperage for staves and
hoops.

The attractive outline, heavy foliage, and rapid growth of the
Slippery Elm make it a desirable tree for roadside planting.

The mucilaginous inner bark, which gives the tree its common
name, is sweet, fragrant, and of medicinal value.

Four points of difference between the Slippery and the ^ "hite
Elm are helpful in identification.

Slippery Elm :

1. Tree — smaller.

2. Bark — tinged with red.

3. Leaves — larger and rougher; buds hairy.

4. Fruit — larger, ripening when leaves are half grown

Native Trees of Kentucky

c. Rock Elm or Cork Elm — [Hums raccmosa.

The Rock Elm is a valuable timber tree found sparingly in
the central and southern parts of the State.

The descriptive name has reference to the hardness of the
\vood. which in all essential qualities resembles White Elm.
It is in demand for bridge construction, wheel stocks and agri-
cultural implements.

The tree may be easily recognized by its shaggy, rugged ap-
pearance, due to the irregular, corky ridges on its branches.

The flowers and fruit in pendulous racemes mark this species,
as racemosa.

Tree — large, with rugged, stiff branches.

Bark — gray, shaggy.

Leaves — small, elm-shaped.

Fruit — samaras, large and thick, winged all around, arranged
in drooping racemes ; seeds the size of apple seeds.

J. J ringed Elm — Ulnins ahitu.

The Winged Elm, the smallest of this family, is common in
the State west of the mountain region.

The timber is not commer-
cially important, having only
local uses.

Thin, corky wings that form
on both sides of the young
branches give the tree its de-
scriptive name.
Tree — small, with round-topped

head.

Bark — brown, tinged with red;
corky ridges persist-
e n t on y o u n g
branches.

Leaves- — small, especially elm-
shaped.

Fruit— smallest -;im;ir;i- ,.f the ^''/J^^f^ ,4

Elm family.

72 Native Trees of Kentucky

]'). I I.u'Ki-.KKUiKS — (ji-:.\rs CKI.TIS.

a. Hackberry — Celtis occidentalis.

b. Sugarberry — Celtis mississippiensis.

a. Hackberry — Celtis occidentalis.

The Hackberry or Xettle Tree prefers limestone soil, but is
found everywhere in Kentucky except in the higher mountains.

The wood, used moderately for cheap furniture, is classed
with Hickory for fuel.

As a living tree, its ability to grow and to bear seed in sterile

«n - <j

regions where other trees would die, make it of high economic
value.

In habit it resembles the Elm, but a warty bark, purple berries
and fungus growths called "witches broom" are unmistakable
features for identification.

Flowers inconspicuous, of two kinds, staminate and pistillate
on same tree.

Tree — tall, slender, round head with pendulous branches.

Bark — dark brown, covered with warty ridges.

Lea-res — similar to Elm ; longer, toothed at til), entire at base,
with 3 midribs instead of one.

Fruit — purple berries, sweet, edible, persistent all winter.

b. Sngarbcrry — Celtis mississippiensis.

The Sugarberry is found in low grounds in Western Ken-
tucky. This tree is smaller than the Hackberry. its bark more
thickly warted, and the margins of the narrow leaves are not
toothed.

The berries are of an orange red color.

Native Trees of Kentucky 73

MULBERRY FAMILY— Moraceae..

Two genera of this family have tree forms in Kentucky :

A. Genus Morus — Mulberry.

B. Genus Toxylon — Osage Orange.

a. Mulberry — Morns rubra.

The Red Mulberry is one of the rapid-growing, fruit-bearing
trees scattered through the State.

The wood is deep yellow, soft ; durable in contact with the
soil ; used in cooperage and for fence posts.

The flowers are variable, sometimes perfect, often of two
kinds, staminate and pistillate on the same tree.

Like the Sassafras, the leaf of the Mulberry varies in form,
usually heart-shaped, often lobed.

Tree — medium size, trunk short with spreading branches.

Bark — yellow brown, separating into scales.

Learcs — alternate, simple, rough, variable in form.

Fruit — compound, sweet and juicy, resembling a blackberry.

74 Native Trees of Kentucky

b. Osage Orange — To.vylon poinifcntin.

The Osage Orange grows on rich bottom lands and fertile
hillsides, associated with Oaks, Elms and Hickories.

The wood, most distinctly orange-yellow, is used in the manu-
facture of machinery, insulator pins and wagon felloes.

The Osage Orange is extensively planted for wind-breaks ; a
hedge, when once established, is permanent.

The flowers are small, of two kinds, staminate and pistillate
on separate trees.

Toxylon is an Indian word, signifying bow wood ; formerly
the wood was used for bows and other primitive weapons.

Tree — medium size, with short trunk ; branches wide spread-
ing, armed with short, axillary spines.

Bark — dark brown, an orange color in the furrows.

Leares — alternate, simple, entire, taper-pointed, highly pol-
ished.

Fruit — compound, filled with milky juice; when ripe, resem-
bling" an orange in form and color.

Native Trees of Kentucky 75

MAGNOLIA FAMILY— Magnoliaceae.

Magnolias are represented in Kentucky by two genera :

A. Genus Liriodendron — Tulip Tree.

B. Genus Magnolia — Magnolias.

The distinguishing characteristics of these genera are :

1. Leaves — alternate, simple, large, entire.

2. Flowers — showy, perfect, solitary, often fragrant.

3. Fruit — a fleshy, cone-like structure filled with many

seeds.

76 Native Trees of Kentucky

a. Tulip Tree — Liriodendron tnlipifcra.

( )riginally, the Tulip Tree was found abundantly in all parts
of the State ; for years Eastern Kentucky supplied the world's
market ; in Western Kentucky it rivaled the White Oak in size
and number ; it was abundant in the Trade Water district of
Northwestern Kentucky and was prominent among forest trees
in the southern part of the State. In the early part of the Nine-
teenth century, Michaux reported a pure forest of Tulip Trees
from Bardstown to Louisville, with trees 22V2 feet in circumfer-
ence, three miles from Louisville. The great height, straightne^
and uniform diameter of its long clear trunk, easily place the
Tulip Tree in the foremost rank of Kentucky's valuable commer-
cial trees. These facts, together with its special property of float-
ing easily, brought it into the lumber market soon after the Wal-
nut, so that the Tulip Tree to-day is found only in limited quan-
tities in accessible parts of the State. Government experts are
of the opinion that old cuttings, if protected from lire, furnish
ideal conditions for a second growth, and that old deformed un-
sound seed trees, left standing, offer excellent opportunity for
establishing new forests by natural reproduction, if the seedlings
are given sufficient light and protection from fire and grazing.

The wood, which is easily worked, is used for ship building,
house construction, and is fast becoming prominent for exterior
trimmings, cornices, porch posts and weather boarding. Curly
growth is occasionally found, usually on one side of the tree,
although Tulip Trees have recently been cut with the curl ex-
tending throughout the circumference. This curly wood brings
a good price from veneer factories.

The Tulip Tree or "Yellow Poplar of the Ohio River," meets
successfully the severe requirements of the vehicle manufacturers,
both on account of the high quality of its wood and the valuable
aid given by the action of the water in seasoning it while the logs
are floated down the river.

In former days, the Indians made a choice of the Tulip wood
for canoes because of its lightness : the early settlers made a drug
from the bark with the tonic effect of Cinchona.

sl
! i

5

o

v. „
B ~

w ^

K ^

Native Trees of Kentucky

For planting in parks and along- roadsides, the Tulip Tree is
of exceptional excellence. There is no season when this tree is
not full of beauty and interest, both to the tree lover and the
botanical student.

The Tulip Tree has three names in common usage:

1. Yellow Poplar — from its supposed similarity in appear-

ance to trees of the Poplar family.

2. Saddle Tree — from the shape of the leaves.

3. Tulip Tree — from the resemblance of its flower to the

garden Tulip, which it equals in size and shape. The
flower is a bright greenish yellow with orange patches
at base.

Tree — tall, 80 to 2CO feet high ; trunk large, continuous, taper-
ing like a shaft ; deeply furrowed with age.
Bark — close, thick, brown, aromatic. ..
Leaves — width and length nearly equal ; shiny, leathery, with

square tip.

Fruit — cone-like, with many flat-winged dry seeds attached to
a central column.

FLEET OF TULIP OR "YELLOW POPLAR LOGS'

After American Lumberman .

ON OHIO RIVKR.

Native Trees of Kentucky

79

B. GEXUS MAGNOLIA.

There are four species of the genus Magnolia native to Ken-
tucky :

a. The Cucumber Tree — Magnolia acuminata.

b. The Umbrella Tree — Magnolia tripetala.

c. tar-leaved Umbrella — Magnolia fraseri.

d. Large-leaved Umbrella — Magnolia macrophylla.

Cucumber Tree — Magnolia acuminata.

The Cucumber Tree is
found in the ravines and coves
of the mountain region mixed
with Tulip Trees and Beech.

Commercially, this tree is
used for many of the same
purposes as the Tulip Tree
and has the same value.

The trees of merchantable
size have been cut in the most
accessible places, but the
stumps, if properly protected,
will form a second forest.

The Mower, though large, is
inconspicuous, a yellowish
green, resembling the color of
the new leaves.
Tree — 50 to 100 feet high ; trunk, tall and straight.
Bark — thick, furrowed, covered with thin brown scales.
Lcares — oblong, 6 to 10 inches long, tip pointed.
Fruit — a fleshy, green cone resembling a cucumber : when
ripe, the cone become^ red and hangs out scarlet.
berrv-like seeds on slender, elastic threads.

8o

Native Trees of Kentucky

b. Umbrella Tree — Magnolia tripetala.

The Umbrella Tree is com-
mon in protected situations in
the mountains of the State,
where it is called Elkwood and
Cucumber.

The flower is showy, cup-
shaped, with a heavy disagree-
able odor. It is surrounded by
a whorl of large leaves like an
umbrella ; this suggests the
name of the tree ; the three
small, recurved sepals at the
base of the flower account for
the botanical name, tripetala.

Tree — small, with leaning trunk and short distorted branches.

Bark — thin, light gray, covered with rough spots.

Leaves — whorled at the ends of the branches ; 16 to 20 inches,
tapering to the stem.

Fruit — smooth elongated cone, rose red at maturity.

c. Ear-leaved Magnolia — Magnolia fraseri.

A small tree, found sparingly only in the mountains. The
flowers are fragrant, creamy white, spreading 8 to 10 inches
across.

The ear-like lobes at the base of the leaves easily distinguish
this tree from others of the family.

Tree — small, with inclining and wide-spreading branches.

Bark — thin, brown with warty patches.

Leaves — 10 to 12 inches long; ear-like lobes at base; whorled
at the end of branches.

Fruit — oblong cone, covered with horny tips, brilliant red at
maturity.

Native Trees of Kentucky 81

d. Large-leaved Magnolia — Magnolia macrophylla.

A small tree restricted to the upper Cumberland region. It
is credited with having the largest single leaf of any tree outside
of the tropics.

The flower is also large, streaked, often extending a foot in
diameter. It is formed of six thick, white leaves with a purple
spot at the base of the inner three.

Tree — small, straight, slender.

Bark — thin, gray, covered with small scales.

Leases — very large, 15 to 30 inches in length, pointed at tip,
heart-shaped at base, scattered along the branches.

Fruit — rounded cone, turning red when ripe.

82 Native Trees of Kentucky

CUSTARD APPLE FAMILY— flnonaccae.

Pawpaw, genus Asimina, is the only representative in Ken-
tucky of a large tropical family yielding spices, medicines and
edible fruits.

Paw paw — A si in iua triloba.

Preferring the shade of taller trees, the Pawpaw frequently
forms a close undergrowth in rich river valleys of the State.

The wood has no commercial value, but the tree is planted
for ornament, because of its tropical fruit and interesting leaf
arrangement.

The perfect flowers are small, resembling in color Wild Ginger
and Calycanthus.

It is often called the "wild banana tree."

Tree — small and slender, with long tap root.

Bark — dark gray, with light colored blotches.

Leaves — alternate, simple, drooping at an unusual angle,
pointed, 8 to 10 inches long, tapering to the base,
clustered at ends of branches.

Fnnt — 3 to 5 inches long, yellow when ripe, containing brown
flat seeds embedded in an edible pulp.

Native Trees of Kentucky 83

LAUREL FAMILY— Lauraceae,

The Sassafras is the only

J

tree of this tropical family rep-
resented in Kentucky. The
name Sassafras, given to both
genus and species, is of Span-
ish origin.

Sassafras — Sassafras.
The Sassafras is common all
over the State, taking posses-
sion with the Persimmon of
cut-over woodlands.

The orange-brown wood is
used locally for posts and fence
rails. The aromatic bark and
roots yield, by distillation, a
volatile oil used in perfumery
and for flavoring medicine. The variety of its leaf forms, bril-
liant autumnal coloring, and attractive dark blue berries make the
Sassafras a valuable ornamental tree.

The green flowers are of two kinds, staminate and pistillate,
borne generally on separate trees ; they appear with the leaves.
Tree — flat-topped, irregularly branched, often making dense

thickets.

Bark — thick, rough, streaked, especially in young trees.
Leaves — alternate, simple, oval, with three variations ; margins
entire; lobed on one side (mitten-shaped); lobed
on both sides.

Fruit — dark blue berries, raised on bright red, club-shaped
stems.

84 Native Trees oj Kentucky

WITCH HAZEL FAMILY— Hamamelidaecae.

The family to which the Sweet Gum belongs claims a very
ancient geological lineage. Two genera each with a single tree
species represent this family in Kentucky :

A. Genus Liquidambar — Sweet Gum.

B. Hamamelis — Witch Hazel.

Native Trees of Kentucky

(7. Sweet Uiini — Liqitidainbor styraciflita.
The Sweet Gum is reported
by United States Government
foresters as the most important
tree in Western Kentucky.
Although it prefers low wet
woodlands, it is found abun-
dantly in the northern and cen-
tral parts of the State and even
in the mountain regions below
1500 feet.

In the forest, the tree grows
from 50 to 100 feet with a
straight, continuous shaft ex-
tending far into the short slen-
der branches.

The wood is susceptible of a very fine finish. In foreign mar-
kets it is known as ''Satin \Yalnut." while in our home trade it
has received the name of "Red Gum."

The lumber is used in exterior trimmings, paving blocks, slack
barrels and boxes. It is receiving increased recognition as a
cabinet wood.

The tree gained its botanical name from the fragrant, resinous
sap ; according to an early Spanish explorer, the sub-tropical
members of the family "exuded a gum. like liquidambar." Im-
munity from many fungus diseases common to other hard woods
is largely due to the presence of this gum. It is also asserted
that trees of verv remote ancestry like I 'aid Cypress. Red

j - - '

Wood, Sycamore and Sweet Gum gain freedom from many dis-
eases by the gradual elimination of weaker species.

The Sweet Gum deserves special recognition, not merely for
its increasing commercial value, but for it< exceptional beauty

S6 Native Trees of Kentucky

as a shade tree. Ornamental at every season, it displays the
greatest charms in the autumn when the star-like leaves turn from
golden yellow to richest shades of red and purple.

The flowers of Sweet Gum are inconspicuous, growing in
separate clusters on thesanic tree: staminate, in terminal, hairy
racemes ; pistillate, in single, long-stemmed balls, pendent from
the axils of the leaves.

Tree — tall and cone-shaped, with one unbroken main shaft.

Bark — scaly on old trunks ; young twigs blue gray, covered
with wing-like, corky ridges.

Leaves — alternate, simple, long stemmed, star-shaped.

Fruit — many two-beaked seed cells, forming woody balls that
swing from trees all winter.

b. iritch Hazel — Hainainclis virginiana.

The Witch Hazel found on the sides of deep ravines or rich
mountain sides, -is valuable for the medicinal properties of its bark,
leaves and twigs.

The origin of the common name of the tree is doubtful ; it
may have been suggested by the use of the forked twigs of Hazel
as a divining- rod to indicate hidden springs of water. "Witch"
is a modern spelling of the Saxon "wych,"' but in England "wych"
was applied to an elm.

This tree has the unique habit of blooming in the autumn as
its leaves fall. The flowers, with their small, ribbon-like, yellow
petals, grow in clusters in the axis of the leaves. As the flowers
fade, the fruit of a previous year ripens, the pods bursting with
such explosive force that the small black seeds are hurled far
away.

Tree — small, shrubby.

Bark — light brown, smooth or scaly.

Leaves — alternate, simple, unequal at base, strongly veined,
margins wavy or toothed.

Fruit — two-celled, two-beaked, woody pods.

SWEET GUM OR RED GUM OF COMMERCE.

88

Trees of Kentucky

PLAN'S TREE FA/WILY.—

This ancient family is represented in Kentucky by one native
genus Platanus with one species :

Sycamore — Platanus occidentalis.

The American Sycamore, or
Buttonball Tree, is the largest
tree of Eastern North Amer-
ica. In 1802, the botanist
Michaux registered a Syca-
more growing on the right
bank of the Ohio River 47 feet
in circumference, four feet
from the ground. It is univer-
sally but sparingly distributed
through the State, found prin-
cipal!}" in single file along the
water ways.

The wood, hard, coarse-
grained and brittle, is employed
for cheap furniture, butchers'

blocks and tobacco boxes. The Sycamore suffers from a para-
sitic fungus which \\ ithers the young leaves in early spring ; a
second crop of leaves is afterwards successfully developed.

The generic name is derived from the Latin word platus,
broad, referring to the shape of the leaves.

The tree is so conspicuously marked by its mottled trunk,
snow white branches and brown pendent seed balls that identifi-
cation is easy from long distances. Closer observation reveals
two other interesting features :

1. The growing buds are concealed in the hollow base or

pocket of the long leaf stems until autumn defoliation.

2. The young twigs are decorated with ruffled, leafy

sheathes that encircle the stem above the leaf bud and
persist far into the winter.

SYCAMORE. CHEROKEE PARK, LOUISVILLE, KY.
Forest giown; iS feet in circumference.

90 \ alive Trees of Kentucky

Tree — towering, enormous trunk, often dividing near the
ground into large secondary trunks; branches tor-
tuous and heavy.
Bark — shedding in sheets, showing a grayish green, inner

layer.
Leaves — alternate, simple, having 3 to 5 broad, long pointed

lobes like Maple.

Fruit — solitary brown balls, persistent on long stems through
the winter.

Native Trees of Kentucky 91

ROSE FAMILY— Rosaceae.

The tree forms of this family are classified in three genera

A. Genus Primus — \Yild Cherries and Plums.

B. Genus Amalanchier — Service-berry.

C. Genus Crataeg-us — Haws.

A. \YILD CHERRIES — GEXUS PRUXU?.

There are fcvo species native in Kentucky :

a. 'Wild Black Cherry — Primus serotina.

b. \\'ild Yellow Plum — Primus americana.

92 Native Trees of Kentucky

a. Wild Black Cherry — Prunus serotina.

The Black or Cabinet Cherry is found scattered over the State,
but because of its great commercial value much of the merchant-
able size has been cut.

The wood, when highly polished, competes with Mahogany
and Rosewood for cabinet work, fine furniture and interior finish.

The bark yields an important drug and the fruit is gathered
as flavoring for cordials and brandies.

The flowers are perfect, small and white, borne in pendent
racemes three to four inches long.

Tree — large, with spreading drooping branches.

Bark — rough, peeling on old trunks, smooth, satiny, with white
horizontal markings on new twigs ; bitter.

Leaves — alternate, simple, finely toothed, narrow, tapering,
bitter.

Fruit — berry with shiny, black skin and juicy, bitter pulp.

b. irild Yellow Plum — Prunus americana.

The Wild Yellow or Red I Mum is one of the stone-fruit trees
common over the State.

Commercially, the strong, hard wood has not found a prom-
inent place, but the tree has served the horticulturist as stock for
many cultivated varieties.

As an ornamental tree, it is desirable for its attractive form
and foliage, its profusion of pure, white, fragrant flowers and
showy fruit. The wild fruit is locally used for jellies and pre-
serves.

Tree — small, with spreading symmetrical top, numerous
branches armed with sharp spurs.

Bark — dark gray, peeling in thin plates.

Leaves — alternate, simple, oval, toothed, taper pointed.

Fruit — bright red plum, with thick, tough skin, acid, juicy
stone flattened on one edge.

X alive Trees of Kentucky 93

Service Berry — Ainalanchier canadensis.

The Service Berry is found on dry, hilly woodlands all over
the State, but reaches its best development in the mountains.

The tree, known locally as June Berry, Shad or "Savice." is
a most desirable park or lawn tree.

The wood, hard, strong- and close-grained, is occasionally used
for tool handles and small parts of machinery.

Early in spring-, perfect white flowers in loose drooping
clusters appear with the leaves.

Tree — small, with slender spreading branches.

Bark — purplish brown with shallow fissures.

Leaves — alternate, simple, thick, oval, toothed, sharp-pointed.

Pruit — sweet, red, juicy berries, covered with bloom when ripe.

C. HAWS — GENUS CRATAEGUS.

The Haws of Kentucky are of little commercial value in the
lumber market.

They are usually spiny, much branched, small shrubby trees
with beautiful flowers and highly decorative fruit. In ornamental
hedges and borders, they deserve a prominent place.

Due to their habit of hybridizing, much accurate investigation
will be necessary before a satisfactory report can be made of the
different species and their distribution in Kentucky.

94 Native Trees of Kentucky

PEA FA/WILY— Leguminosae,

The Leguminosae or Pea family is one of great size, wide
distribution and economic importance. It includes all plants bear-
ing" a two-valved pod and is the only family whose members have
the power of obtaining free nitrogen from the air to fertilize the
soil. Five genera represent the pod-bearing trees in Kentucky :

A. Genus Robinia — Locust.

B. Genus Gleditsia — Honey Locust.

C. Genus Gymnocladus — Kentucky Coffee Tree.

D. Genus Cladrastis — Yellow Wood.

E. Genus Cercis— Redbud.
They are characterized by

1. Leaves — alternate, pinnately compound, except in Cercis.

2. Flowers — in showy, pendent racemes.

3. Fruit — long, decorative pods.

Native Trees of Kentucky 95

Black Locust — Robinia psciidac

The Black Locust, known also as Yellow Locust, is found
generally throughout the State, although it attains its best devel-
opment in limestone soil. As lumber in many of the industries
is desirable from immature trees, and as Black Locust turns its
sap wood quickly into heart wood, a plantation of these trees will
bring a larger income on poor land, with less labor, than any other
crop. Seeds may be sown even in the pod ; they germinate the
second year, and so rapid is the growth that, in ten years, small
poles may be cut for vineyards and fence posts. In forty-five
years the poles make superior railroad ties and telegraph poles
because of the durability of the wood in contact with the soil.
As the extensive root system sends up numerous sprouts and the
trees plant and prune themselves, a plantation will bear a profit-
able annual harvest.

The wood is sold in the lumber market for tree-nails, ribs of
vessels, insular shanks, vehicles and fuel.

Lumber men say that if Black Locust saplings are cut when
the sap is full, the bark stripped immediately, and the poles dried
rapidly, the wood is practically immune from ravages of the
borer, which has damaged its reputation as a timber product.

The masses of perfect, pendent, fragrant white flowers, the
delicate, silvery foliage drooping in cloudy weather or at the ap-
proach of evening, make the young Locust a highly ornamental
tree.

Tree — tall, slender ; trunk dividing near ground in the open ;
branches often contorted.

Bark — dark gray, deeply furrowed.

Leaves — 8 to 14 inches long, leaflets small, sensitive to changes
in temperature.

Fruit — pods 2 to 4 inches long, purplish, persistent all winter.

96

Native Trees of Kentucky

Honey Locust — Gleditsia triacanthos.

The Honey Locust is found
abundantly in Kentucky west
of the mountains, associated
with Black Walnut, Hickory,
Elm, Basswood and Ash. In
the gravelly uplands of Central
Kentucky, it is the dominant
tree.

It serves its most valuable
purpose as a living tree for
hedges, shelter belts, and for
restoring fertility to worn out
and gully-washed land. The
wood, durable in contact with
the soil, is used for poles, fence
posts and fuel. Unlike Black

Locust, it is not injured by borer and leaf miner.

\Yhile Black Locust has small prickles originating in the bark.
Honey Locust has true thorns springing from the pith of the tree,
recognized as undeveloped or abortive branches ; these thorns,
often set in clusters on trunk and branches, are generally three-
pronged ; this fact justifies the specific name, triacanthos.

The flowers are inconspicuous, of two kinds : staminate and
pistillate on same tree.

Tree — in the forest reaching a large size : in the open, pro-
ducing a short trunk and broad crown.

Bark — dark brown, rough, usually set with clusters of ag-
gressive thorns.
Leaves — twice pinnately compound, 7 to 9 inches long, leaflets

small.

Fruit — purplish, twisted pods, 6 to 18 inches long, containing
a sweet pulp between seeds.

Native Trees of Kentucky

97

Kciitnekv Coffee Tree — Gymnocladus dioicus.

The Coffee Tree, although
one of the rarest of our hard
wood trees, has few equals in
the extent of its range. In
Kentucky, it is found in the
central and western parts of
the State. This tree received
its local name from Kentucky
pioneers, who believed that in
its seeds, they had found a
substitute for coffee.

The wood, strong, soft and
durable, is used for fences and
in light construction work.

The tree is conspicuous for its stiff, dead looking branches,
which remain bare in spring until other trees are in full leaf.

The ornamental form and unusual character of the leaves are
features peculiar to the Coffee Tree and Honey Locust.

The flowers are inconspicuous, and of tu'O kinds : staminate
and pistillate, borne on separate trees.

Tree — tall, straight, with thick, thornless branches.

Bark — dark gray, deeply furrowed.

Leaves — twice pinnate, 1 to 3 feet long, sensitive.

Fruit — clumsy, thick-skinned pods containing a sweet pulp.

Native Trees of Kentucky

w ll'ood — Cladntstis Intca.

The Yellow Wood, known as Gopher Wood or Virgilia. is
rare and local. It is found, principally, along limestone cliffs
of the Kentucky, Salt and Dick rivers, in Central Kentucky ; the
highlands of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.

The \vood, bright yellow in color, hard and strong with a
smooth, satiny surface, has great possibilities as decorative lumber.
Not subject to special diseases, the tree reaches its greatest value
as an ornament in parks and lawns. Yellow Wood is easily
propagated both by seeds and root cuttings.

It seldom flowers abundantly two successive seasons, but when
covered with bloom surpasses all other trees in beauty. The per-
fect flowers are large, white and fragrant, borne at the end of
twigs, in pendent clusters nearly a foot long.

Tree — short trunk with well developed head of graceful,
slender branches.

Bark — gray, smooth, like Beech, yielding a yellow dye.

Lea-i'es — 7 to 11 broad, oval leaflets, stems hollow at base
like Sycamore, enclosing next year's buds.

Fruit — long, slender, pendent pods, containing from four to
six dark, brown seeds.

Native Trees of Kentucky

99

Red Bud — Ccrcis canadensis.

The Red Bud is found lean-
ing out from under the shade
of taller trees along streams
and rich hillsides throughout
the State. The wood is weak,
close-grained and susceptible
of a beautiful polish when sea-
soned. The bark and young
branches are used to dye wood
a nankin color.

Its tolerance of shade, habit
of rapid growth and early
blooming earn for it a promi-
nent place in park and border
plantations.

The perfect flowers, which appear before the leaves, are ar-
ranged in pink purplish clusters along the dark gray branches and
far down the trunk.

Tree — small, with flat head and smooth thornless branches.

Bark — red brown, furrowed closely.

Leaves — simple, broadly heart-shaped.

Fruit — flat, smooth pods, green in summer, turning a lustrous
purple ; persistent far into winter.

100

Native Trees of Kentucky

RUE FAMILY— Rutaceae,

The Rue family, so prominent in sub-tropical regions for its
oranges and lemons, is represented in Kentucky by one genus,
.Ptelea containing one tree species.

Three-leaved Hop Tree — Ptelea trifoliata.

The Hop Tree
or AYafer Ash is
well distributed
in the under-
growth of for-
ests of the State.
Formerly, it was
abundant near
Louisville on
cliffs facing the
Ohio River.

There are three reasons for its numerical success and wide
distribution in the forests :

1. It is tolerant of the shade of taller trees.

2. The leaves, bark and seeds are so bitter that animals

never feed upon them.

3. The seeds are abundant, vigorous and well equipped

with wings adapted to long flight.

In a border plantation, the light green foliage and buff colored
persistent fruit are highly ornamental.

The inconspicuous flowers, appearing early in spring, are of
two kinds : staminate and pistillate, borne in the same clusters.

Tree — small, often shrub-like.

Bark — smooth, dark gray.

Leaves — alternate, tri-foliate on long stems, leaflets sessile.

Fruit — samaras, surrounded by broad, wafer-like wings : per-
sistent far into winter.

Native Trees of Kentucky

101

HOLLY FAMILY— flquifoliaceae.

The Holly family is represented in Kentucky by one genus,
Ilex, comprising- three wild arborescent species:

a. American Holly — Ilex opaca.

b. Mountain Holly — Ilex montana.

c. Deciduous Holly — Ilex decidua.

a. American Holly — Ilex opaca.

The American or White
Holly is a small tree found
sparingly all over the State.

The wood, which imitates
ivory in color and texture, is
highly prized in cabinet work,
interior finish, furniture and
turnery.

A pyramidal form, ever-
green foliage and persistent
bright red berries make the
Holly most desirable for lawns
and ornamental hedges.

The flowers, small, white and
clustered, are of two kimL. on
different trees.

7><v— small, cone-shaped, evergreen: branches short, hori-
zontal.

Bark — gray, usually covered with lichens.
Leaves— alternate, simple, evergreen, . leathery ; margins wavy

with sharp stiff spines.
Fruit — bright red berries, persistent all winter.

IO2

X a five Trees of Kentucky

b. Mountain Holly — Ile.v montana.

The Mountain Holly, faithful to its name, is restricted to
mountain regions of the State. It differs from other Hollies in
having large, thin leaves, which resemble leaves of the Plum
Tree.

The fruit is a bright scarlet berry, often as large as a cherry.

As both fruit and leaves are deciduous, this tree is not pop-
ular for ornamental planting.

c. Deciduous Holly — Ile.v decidua.

This Holly is a small tree,
or shrub, found in wet mead-
ows or along borders of
streams, in company with Red-
bud, shrubby Dogwoods and
Buttonball bush. Thick de-
ciduous leaves are usually
clustered at the ends of small
branches.

In cultivation, it forms an
attractive feature for winter
effects, as the absence of leaves
only emphasizes the persistent
clusters of brilliant red berries
arranged abundantly along the
branches.

Native Trees of Kentucky 103

MAPLE FA/WILY— Aceraceae.

Two strong, constant characteristics mark the Maple family :

1. Leaves — opposite, simple, except in Boxelder.

2. Fruit — a pair of winged seeds called a key, or samara.
One genus, Acer, represents the family; in Kentucky, there

are seven species :

a. Sugar Maple — Acer saccharum.

b. Black Maple — Acer nigrum.

c. Silver Maple — Acer saccharinum.

d. Red Maple — Acer rubrum.

e. Mountain Maple — Acer spicatum.

f. Striped Maple — Acer pennsylvanicum.

g. Boxelder — Acer negundo.

104

Trees of I\'<n lucky

a. Sugar Maple — Acer saccharuiu.

The Sugar, or Rock Maple,
is one of the large abundant
forest trees found \videly dis-
tributed throughout the State.
The wood is used for floor-
ing, interior finish and cabinet
work. Highly-prized fancy
grains, known as Curly and
Bird's Eye Maple, are abnor-
mal growths of the wood ;
Curly Maple is due to a twist
in the fiber ; Bird's Eye, to
accidental development of dor-
mant buds ; both receive spe-
cial methods of cutting to in-
crease their beauty.

The living tree, with its
vigorous health, luxuriant foli-
age and brilliant autumn coloring ranks in the first class for park
and street planting. The sap yields sugar and syrup of economic
value.

The greenish yellow flowers on hairy, thread-like stems are
variable, either perfect, or staminate and pistillate in separate
clusters on same or different trees. They appear with the leaves.
Tree — large, with full dome-like crown.
Bark — gray, deeply fissured, scaly.
L cares — broad, 3 to 5 lobed, each lobe with 3 to 5 acute

points, veining noticeable.
Fruit — keys, with broad wings slightly divergent.

b. Black Maple — Acer nig ruin.

At one time Black Maple was considered a variety of Sugar
Maple ; it now has the rank of a distinct species. It is found
sparingly in hard wood forests of Kentucky.

The wood has the same character and uses as Sugar Maple.

Tree — large, compact.

Bark — dark gray, with stout, orange-colored twigs.

Leaves — large, dark green, shallow lobes, smooth margins,

drooping habit.
Fruit — keys, with wings widely divergent.

Native Trees of Kentucky 105

c. Silver Maple — Acer saccharinum.

The Silver Maple is found along many streams of the State.

The wood, light and brittle, is used for interior work, furni-
:ure, flooring- and excelsior.

Tree is a rapid grower, but the brittle branches, easily broken
by the wind, are attacked by destructive insects and fungi. For
street planting, longer lived trees should be alternated with Silver
Maple.

The greenish yellow flowers are of two kinds ; staminate and
pistillate on different branches or on separate trees. They ap-
pear before the leaves.

Tree — large trunk, with long, slender, spreading branches.

Bark — dark, with plate-like scales.

Leaves — deeply five-cleft, with silver lining.

Fruit — keys with broad, widely divergent wings.

d. Red Maple — Acer nibnini.

The Red Maple is common over the State. The wood is val-
uable for gun stocks, oars, tool handles and fuel. Logs of Curly
and Bird's Eye Red Maple are of great value for cabinet work.'

A beautiful form, brilliant coloring and sturdy growth make
Red Maple a desirable ornamental tree for park, lawn and street.

The flowers are of two kinds: staminate orange, pistillate red,
on the same or different trees ; they appear before the leaves

Tree— slender, well formed, with erect branches

Bark— gray, scaly ; branches pale, smooth ; twigs red.

Leaves— variable, generally 3-lobed, margins cut-toothed,
stems long, slender, red.

Fruit— keys, with thin divergent wings, pendent on long
slender red stems.

106 Native Trees of Kentucky

e. Mountain Maple — Acer spicatum.

The Mountain Maple is found under the shade of taller trees
in mountain regions. The tree is too small to be of commercial
value, but its beauty in autumn justifies its place in parks and
lawns.

Flowers on upright racemes ; staminate at tip, pistillate at
base of raceme; flower stalk hairy.

Tree — small, bushy.

Bark — brown, branches reddish gray.

Leaves — lobes taper-pointed and toothed, lined with down,
drooping.

Fruit — small keys borne in a pendulous cluster.

f. Striped Maple — Acer pennsylvanicum.

The Striped Maple, sometimes called Moosewood, makes its
best growth under the shade of taller trees along mountain
sides of Kentucky. Its leaves are large, three-lobed, finely
toothed, drooping quickly when picked.

The fruit hangs in loose, pendulous clusters ; the wings of the
samaras are widely divergent.

The thin, green bark, splitting longitudinally as the trunk in-
creases in diameter, displays a light lining, which gives the tree a
characteristic striped effect.

This Maple, if planted in shaded situations, grows well in
cultivation, and adds great beauty to the scenery, especially in
early spring.

Native Trees of Kentucky 107

g. Bo.vcldcr — Acer ncgundo.

The Boxelder, or Ash-leaved Maple, is found in small numbers
associated with Elm, Hackberry, Green Ash and Walnut west of
the mountains.

It is utilized for small patterns and models, cheap furniture,
and paper pulp. On streets and lawns, Boxelder is valuable
as a rapid-growing' tree, alternating with more permanent and
valuable varieties.

The green drooping flowers are of two kinds ; staminate and
pistillate on separate trees. They appear with the leaves.

Tree — small, divided near the ground into stout, wide-spread-
ing branches.

Bark — gray, with broad, deep ridges.

Leaves — compound of three to five leaflets, middle leaflet
three-lobed.

Fruit — keys, borne in drooping clusters, persistent far into
winter.

io8

Native Trees of Kentucky

BUCKEYE FAMILY— flesculaceae.

One genus, Aesculus, comprising' two species, represents this
family commercially in Kentucky :

a. Ohio Buckeye — Aesculus glabra.

b. Yellow Buckeye — Aesculus octandra.

a. OJiio Buckeye — Aesculus glabra.

This tree is

found in Ken-
tucky along- the
banks of moun-
tain streams. It
is called Fetid
Buckeye from
the unpleasant
odor of its bark,
and is also
known as Amer-
ican Horse
Chestnut.

The wood, soft, white and light, is used for interior trim-
mings, woodenware and paper pulp. It is also employed largely
in the manufacture of artificial limbs.

The name. Buckeye, is due to the fancy of early settlers, who
saw in markings of the nut some resemblance to the eye of the
deer. The local name, Ohio, was given to the tree by the younger
Michaux, who reported the most abundant growth along the Ohio
River.

The pale yellow flowers are perfect, growing in large erect
panicles at ends of branches.

Tree — tall, with slender, opposite branches and large, pointed

terminal buds.

Bark — gray, deeply channelled, broken into plates : fetid.
Leaves — opposite, palmately compound, consisting of five to
seven slender leaflets.

Fruit — three-leaved spin}' husks.

containing

large, shiny,

brown, bitter nuts, each conspicuously marked with
a round pale scar.

YELLOW BUCKEYE.

Native Trees of Kentucky 1 1 1

b. Yellow Buckeye — Aesculns octandra.

The Yellow, Sweet, or Big Buckeye is a tall, handsome tree
found on lower mountain slopes mixed with hard woods.

The wood, often called \Yhitewood, is similar to Ohio Buck-
eye, and used for the same purposes.

The fruit, about two inches long, has a smooth husk, contain-
ing one or more red brown nuts, with the polish of old mahogany.

This tree grows rapidly and is a handsome ornament in park
and lawn.

Tree — tallest of this family, often reaching a height of 80 feet.

Bark — thick, brown and scaly.

Lcacs — opposite, palmately compound; five to seven oval or
elliptical leaflets.

Fruit — smooth, thick husks, containing one or more large,
well-marked nuts.

ii2 Native Trees of Kentucky

BUCKTHORN FAMILY— Rbamnaceae.

This widely distributed family is of considerable economic
importance, because of its contributions to medicine. In Ken-
tucky, it is represented by one genus, Rhamnus, with one species.

Yellow Buckthorn — Rhamnus caroliniana.

The Yellow Buckthorn, often called Indian Cherry, grows as
scattered undergrowth in rich bottom lands and on limestone
slopes bordering streams. It was at one time found in company
with the Hop Tree, along old bluffs of the Ohio River, near
Louisville.

Its bris'ht, s'reen foliage and attractive berries make it an

e^ ' o <;_>

ornamental plant for large shrubbery borders.

The small, perfect, greenish white flowers are borne in clus-
ters in the axils of the leaves.

Tree — small, slender, with spreading top.

Bark — dark gray, often spotted with black.

Leares — simple, alternate, elliptical. 2 to 6 inches long, slight-
ly serrate.

Fruit — berrv-like, black and sweet when ripe in early autumn.

Native Trees of Kentucky 113

LINDEN FA/WILY- Tiliaceae.

This tropical family is represented in North America by a
single genus, Tilia.

GENUS TILIA — LIXDEXS.

In Kentucky, there are two species known as "Linn," or Bas.-
wood,. distinguished only by experts.

</. American Linden — Tilia ainericana.
b. iriiitc Basswood — Tilia heterophylla.

These trees, common through the State, are most abundant in
mountain regions. They are cut for floating timber and sold
with Tulip Tree and Cucumber as soft wood. The lumber, known
as Whitewood, is used for interior finish, carriage bodies, organ
pipes and wood carving. In the South it is largely employed in
the manufacture of excelsior.

r*

The flowers,- small, perfect, and rich in nectar, are borne in
pendent clusters attached by a long stalk to a narrow, leaf-like
blade.

The tree takes its common name, Basswood, from the tough,
fibrous character of the inner bark or bast. No other native tree
sprouts more vigorously from cut-over stumps nor has more
luxuriant foliage.

Tree — tall, with many smooth, symmetrical, upright branches.

Bark — dark, deeply and closely furrowed.

Leaves — alternate, simple, toothed, large, obliquely heart-
shaped.

Fruit — a cluster of woody, pea-like balls, pendent from an
elliptical, leafy structure.

H4 Native Trees of Kentucky

GINSENG FAMILY— flraliaceal.

This family, composed chiefly of vines, herbs and shrubs, has
become prominent through two of its members, English Ivy and
Ginseng of commerce.

One genus, Aralia, comprises the only tree species growing
wild in Kentucky.

Hercules' Club — Aralia spinosct.

Hercules Club, sometimes called Angelica Tree, is a small,
slightly spreading tree, having its trunk thickly set with sharp,
stout prickles.

The graceful, palm-like leaves, borne at the summit of the
branches, are the largest produced by any tree of this region.
Like the Kentucky Coffee Tree, they are twice pinnate ; the oval
leaflets on their spiny stems are of moderate size and are often
mistaken for the whole leaf.

Perfect flowers, appearing late in July, are arranged in large,
terminal panicles high above the leaves : dark purple fruit, ripen-
ing in September, persists in drooping clusters all winter.

Rapid growth, tropical foliage, persistent, showy fruit and a
prickly, club-like trunk make this tree horticulturally popular.

Native Trees of Kentucky 115

DOGWOOD FAMILY— Coroaceae.

In North America this family has but two genera of tree
habit :

A. Genus Nyssa — Gums.

B. Genus Cornus — Dogwoods.

A. GUMS — GENUS NYSSA.
There are two species native to Kentucky:

a. Tupelo Gum — Nyssa aquatica.

b. Black Gum — Nvssa sylvatica.

n6 Native Trees of Kentucky

a. Tupelo Gum — Nyssa aqnatica.

The Cotton Gum. or Tupelo Gum, is found in swamp lands
of the western part of the State, associated with Cypress, Sweet
Gum and Swamp White Oak.

Due probably to its geological lineage, and the ancient habits
of its race, the living tree is practically free from natural defects.

The wood is close-grained, white in color, with often a trace
of yellow. It is a satisfactory wood for planing, because it is free
from grit. but. owing to the irregular character of the woody
fiber, great difficulty is found in splitting it. The twisted grain
of Tupelo Gum makes it a superior wood for heavy grade
flooring in warehouses, factories, skating rinks and interior car
works. Although a new product of American trade, it is being
extensively used for interior finish, mouldings and laths, for
wooden conduits and pump stock. In this country and in foreign
markets, it is sold as "Bay Poplar."

Flowers are of two kinds : staminate in dense clusters, pistil-
late solit~-y.

Tree — a typical swamp variety, with tall, large, unbroken
trunk, short, horizontal branches and broad base.

Bark — rough, dark gray ; young twigs downy.

Leaves — alternate, simple, sharp-pointed, covered in early
spring with cottony down.

Fruit — berry-like, large, deep purple on slender drooping
stems.

C/5
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uJ

a

n8 Xdtiue Trees of Kentucky

b. Black Gum — Nyssa sylvatica.

The Black Gum is found scattered among other hard woods
all over the State.

The wood is heavy, tough, cross-grained, and hard to work.
It is used for pulleys, ox-yokes and hubs.

The brilliant, autumn foliage of the Black (nun, or Tupelo,
makes the tree a handsome ornament for parks and lawns.

Tupelo is an Indian word ; Nyssa is the name of a water
nymph, applied by Linnaeus to these trees because of their aquatic
habit.

The flowers, appearing from April to June, are of two kinds
on slender hairy stems : staminate in thick clusters, pistillate
usually in clusters of three.

Tree — medium size ; main trunk continuous ; branches short,
rigid, drooping.

Bark — deeply furrowed, scaly.

Leaves — alternate, simple, blunt at the tip, glossy.

Fruit — berrv-like, small, acid, blue.

Native Trees of Kentucky

119

B. DOGWOOD — GENUS CORNUS.
a. Flowering Dogzvood — Cornns Honda.

The flowering" dogwood is a
small, flat-topped tree found
under the shade of taller trees,
especially on rich hillsides.

The white wood is exceed-
ingly hard and tough ; this fact
gave to the genus the name
Cornus, a horn. It is used for
hubs, tool handles and wood
engraving. Large quantities
are exported to Europe for the
manufacture of shuttle blocks.
The bark yields a red dye, and
a drug with the properties of
quinine.

With its highly decorative

flower, foliage and fruit, the Dogwood is easily in the foremost
rank as an ornamental tree.

The small green perfect flowers, arranged in a dense cluster,
are surrounded by four large, white petal-like leaves notched at
the tip ; these showy white leaves are the expanded winter en-
velope of the flower bud.

Tree — small, bushy, with short trunk and slender branch^.

Bark — dark gray, checkered like alligator skin.

Leaves — opposite and simple; veins parallel, curving upward.

Fruit — scarlet, waxy berries, in clusters of 3 or 4.

i 20 \"fh'c Trees of Kentucky

FAMILY— Ericaceae.

The Heath family, immortalized by the Scotch heather, is
distributed from arctic to tropical regions. In Kentucky, it is
represented by two genera, each containing- a tree species:
A. Genus Rhododendron.
T>. Genus ( )xydendron.

a. Great Laurel — Ihododendron maximum.

In the mountains of the State, especially in caves and along-
small streams of the sandstone regions. Rhododendron forms
dense, evergreen thickets. Evergreen leaves are usually needle-
like, but Holly and Rhododendron represent two of the broad leaf
type.

The large, perfect flowers are profusely set in showy, pinkish
white clusters among whorls of fresh, new leaves.

Rhododendron and its relative, shrubby Kalmia, are unsur-
passed as ornamental evergreens.

Tree — small, bushy, with bent or twisted trunk and stout,

crooked branches.

Bark — thick, covered with reddish brown scales.
Leaves — oblong', thick and leathery, dark, glossy green, re-
maining on the branches for two or three years.
Fruit — oblong, woody capsules, containing many fringed seeds.

flkc! <vvc- -,V „••' * ,

122

\<itive Trees of Kentucky

b. Sonrivood — Oxydendron arboreum.

Sourwood, Sorrel Tree, or Lily of the Valley Tree, is common
in the State, but found most abundantly in the mountains.

As an ornamental tree, it is highly prized for its long racemes
of white, bell-shaped flowers, its vivid autumn foliag'e and per-
sistent, small, dry capsules.

The small, perfect flowrers, blossoming from May to July, are
in pendent racemes at the ends of branches.

The acid in the leaves and twigs is responsible for its descrip-
tive name.

Tree — small, irregular oblong top and slender branches.

Bark — thick, red gray.

Leaves — alternate, deciduous, oblong, tapering at base.

Fruit — small, dry capsules, borne on curved stalks.

Native Trees of Kentucky 123

EBONY FAMILY— Ebeoaceae,

This tropical family is represented in America by one genus,
Diospyrus, with one species :

a. Persimmon — Diospyrus virginiana.

The Persimmon, or Date Plum, is found in most woodlands all
over the State. It is often called "Post>umwood."

The heart wood of Persimmon is hard and black, but is
not formed until the tree reaches an advanced age. The wood is
used for interior finish and for piano frames, and is largely ex-
ported to Europe for this purpose. The less important uses are
shoe lasts, plane stocks and tool handles.

The flowers are small, of /u'o kinds, staminate and pistillate,
borne on different trees; staminate in clusters, pistillate usually
solitary.

Tree — tall, slender, with full round head.

Bark — dark brown, broken into irregular ridges showing an
orange colored, inner layer.

Leaves — alternate, simple, pointed, thick and leathery.

Fruit — large, round, pulpy berries, edible when ripe.

124 Native Trees of Kentucky

STCRAX FflMILY-Styracaceae.

One genus, Mohrodendron, with one tree species represents
this family in Kentucky.

a. Silver-bell Tree — Mohrodendron carolimim.

This orna-
mental tree is
known in differ-
ent Southern
States as Snow-
drop Tree, Wild
Olive Tree. Bell
Tree, Opossum
Wood, and Tiss-
wood. It is found
along mountain
slopes with Mag-
nolia, Rhododendron, Sourwood and Witch Hazel.

Early in the spring, before the leaves are developed, the
branches are decorated with large, graceful, bell-like flowers in
lateral clusters of 2 to 4. The flowering period lasts from two
to four weeks and places this tree in the list with Dogwood, Red-
bud and Flowering Crab for landscape effects.

Tree — generally small, with short, stout branches.

C7 *

Bark — brown, with scaly furrows.

Leaves — simple, alternate, oblong, 2 to 4 inches long.
Fruit — 1~ winged, pendulous nutlets, persistent far into the
winter.

Native Trees of Kentucky 125

OLIVE FAMILY— Oleaceae,

Two genera represent this family in Kentucky :

A. Genus Fraxinus — Ash.

B. Genus Chionanthus — Fringe Tree.

A. ASH — GENUS FRAXIXUS.
Three characteristics readily identify these trees:

1. Branches — opposite.

2. Leaves — compound.

3. Fruit — a key or samara with one wing.
Five species of Ash are found in Kentucky forests

a. White Ash — Fraxinus americana.

b. Red Ash — Fraxinus pennsylvanica.

c. Green Ash — Fraxinus lanceolata.

d. Blue Ash — Fraxinus quadrangulata.
c. Black Ash — Fraxinus nigra.

126 Xative Trees of Kentucky

a. IVliitc Ash — Fra.rinus aincricana.

The White Ash reaches its best development in rich bottom-
lands of river valleys, but is distributed throughout the State in
association with other hard woods. Because White Ash floated
easily and brought a good price, the commercial supply of Ken-
tucky is now limited ; but the tree is a prolific seeder, sprouts
abundantly from stumps and grows with fair rapidity.

The strong, elastic wood seasons without injury and takes a
fine polish ; these qualities place it in the first rank for interior
finishings, furniture, car and carriage building, and agricultural
implements. Ordinarily, curly growth in Ash is on one side of
the tree, though trees have been found with the entire circum-
ference figured ; these figures run crosswise of the tree, resem-
bling bird's eye in Maple. Curly Ash commands the highest price
as fancy grain and is exported to foreign countries principally
for inlaid work. White Ash has great value as a shade tree.

The flowers are usually of two kinds, staminate and pistillate,
in loose panicles on separate trees ; sometimes both kinds in same
cluster.

Tree — large trunk, with broad, round, graceful head.

Bark — gray, closely furrowed ; new shoots smooth, olive
green.

Leaves — 5 to 9 leaflets, stalked, sharp-pointed, with pale under
surface.

Fruit — keys in loose pendent clusters ; each key with a long
slender wing like a paddle.

Native Trees of Kentucky 1 2 •

b. Red Ash — Fra.vinus pennsylvanicum.

In habit. Red Ash is similar to \Yhite Ash, though a much
smaller tree. It is found all over the State outside of the moun-
tain region, but most abundantly in the western part.

The wood, inferior to White Ash, is used as second-class ma-
terial for many of the same purposes. The tree grows rapidly
and is well adapted for street and lawn planting.

For identification, Red Ash has

1. Twigs — hairy or velvety.

2. Leaves — 5 to 9 leaflets, with hairy stems.

3. Fruit — keys, with spatnlate-shaped wings notched at

the tip.

c. Green Ash — Fra.vinus lanccolaia.

Green Ash is a small tree common in the Blue Grass region
extending to the western part of the State.

The wood is inferior to White Ash and is used for similar
purposes. It is recommended for street and park planting.

The foliage of Green Ash is smooth and of such uniform dark,
lustrous green that it gives the tree its distinctive name and is
the easiest means of identification.

128 Xative Trees of Kentucky

d. Bine Ash — Fra.rinns quadrangulata.

Blue Ash is found sparingly in the State, preferring lime-
stone regions. Although less abundant in the markets than White
Ash, the wood ranks as same grade of lumber.

An easy mark for identification is the square or four-angled
twigs which suggested the specific name, quadrangulata; the
common name. Blue, was given from a dye in the bark.

Unlike the other members of this family, Blue Ash has perfect
flowers, borne in loose clusters, appearing before the leaves.

Tree — the most slender of the family.

Bark — light gray, splitting into scales ; branches conspicuously
four-angled.

Leaves — 7 to 11 leaflets, pale and hairy beneath.

Fruit — keys, with flat seeds entirely enveloped by long blunt

wing.

r. Black Asli — Fra.rinns ni^ra.

The Black Ash is the water-loving member of the family and
is found principally in swampy lands in western part of the State.
The wood is used for fence posts and in basket making.
Three strong characteristics are a guide to identification:

1. Buds — bluish black.

2. Leaves — 7 to 11 leaflets without stems, except the ter-

minal one.

3. Flowers — defective, wanting two of their floral parts,

sepals and petals.

X alive Trees of Kentucky 129

Frine Tree — Chionantkos

This very attractive tree has received many names : Old
Man's Beard, Snow-flower Tree, Flowering Ash and White
Fringe, all alluding to the beauty of its flowers.

The generic name, Chinonanthos, well describes the bloom,
Chion — snow, anthos — flower. In June, as the leaves unfold, the
delicate, fragrant flowers appear in slender, drooping panicles,
This flowering habit, together with its handsome foliage, have
given the tree a favorite place in gardens of Eastern United
States. In Europe, it is highly prized as an American exotic.

Tree — trunk short, often shrub-like.

Bark — brown, fissured.

Leaves — simple, alternate, oblong, taper-pointed at each end$
bright yellow in autumn.

Fruit — borne in clusters, dark blue with slight bloom.

130 Native Trees of Kentucky

FAMILY— Bignoniaceac.

In Kentucky, this tropical family is represented by one genus
Catalpa with two species :

a. Catalpa — Catalpa speciosa.

b. Catalpa — Catalpa bignonioides.

a. JTcstcni Catalpa — Catalpa speciosa.

Catalpa speciosa is reported in Ohio River bottoms in Western
Kentucky, below the mouth of Wabash River.

The strong, elastic wood has a beautiful grain and is sus-
ceptible of a fine polish for furniture and interior trimmings. A
tall, straight trunk, rapid growth and extreme durability in con-
tact with the soil make this Catalpa peculiarly suitable for mine
timbers, telegraph poles and railroad ties ; for commercial uses,
large tracts have been planted with these trees in different parts
of the country and several plantations have been started in Ken-
tucky. Catalpa speciosa is also much prized as a shade and orna-
mental park tree, because of its dark, tropical foliage and large
panicles of showy, perfect, white flowers.

Catalpa is an Indian word given to these trees by the Cherokee
Indians.

Tree — tall, upright trunk with short, stiff, dead-looking

branches.

Bark — brown, breaking into thin scales.
Leaves — simple, opposite or in whorls, large, heart-shaped,

thick and firm.

Fruit — slender, bean-like capsules, 10 to 20 inches long, filled
with flat, winged seeds ; wings frayed at edges into
many soft threads.

Native Trees of Kentucky 131

b. Catalpa — Catalpa bignonioidcs.

This Catalpa, or Indian liean, as it is sometimes called, is
found common in low river bottoms of the State.

The wood, durable in contact with water and soil, is much
inferior to Catalpa speciosa ; it is used locally for fence posts.

This Catalpa is also a favorite ornamental tree, taking rank
with Horse Chestnut and Paulownia.

These two Catalpas are distinguished one from another only
by the expert, but four points of difference are guides to identi-
fication.

Catalpa bignom'oicles has :

1. Short, thick, low-branching trunk;

2. Later flowering period ;

3. Smaller flowers and pods ;

4. Seeds smaller with wings, either twisted at the ends,

or drawn out to a point.

Native Trees of Kentucky

List of Crees Dative to Kentucky

1. Short-leaf Pine.

2. White Pine.

3. Pitch Pine.

4. Scrub Pine.

5. Hemlock.

6. Bald Cypress.

7. Red Cedar.

8. Cottonwood.

9. Swamp Cottonwood.

10. Large-toothed Aspen.

11. Black Willow.

12. Long-leaf Willow.

13. Glaucous Willow.

14. Black Walnut.

15. Butternut.

16. Shagbark Hickory.

17. Kingnut.

18. Black Hickory.

19. Mockernut.

20. Pecan.

21. Bitternut.

22. Hornbeam.

23. Hop Hornbeam.

24. Water Birch.

25. Yellow Birch.

26. Sweet Birch.

27. American Beech.

28. Chestnut.

29. Chinquapin.

30. White Oak.

31. Bur Oak.

32. Post Oak.

33. Overcup Oak.

34. Chestnut Oak.

35. Chinquapin Oak.

36. Swramp \Vhite Oak.

37. Basket Oak.

38. Red Oak.

39. Black Oak.
-10. Scarlet Oak.

41. Texan Oak.

42. Pin Oak.

43. Spanish Oak.

44. Swamp Spanish Oak.

45. Black Jack.

46. Shingle Oak.

47. Willow Oak.

48. Bear Oak.

49. Water Oak.

50. Laurel Oak.

51. White Elm.

52. Slippery Elm.

53. Rock Elm.

54. Winged Elm.

55. Hackberry.

56. Sugarberry.

57. Red Mulberry.

58. Osage Orange.

59. Tulip Tree.

60. Cucumber Tree.

61. LTmbrella Tree.

62. Ear-leaved Umbrella.

63. Large-leaved Umbrella.

64. Pawpaw.

65. Sassafras.

66. Sweet Gum.

Xative Trees of Kentucky

133

LIST OF TREES NATIVE TO KENTUCKY— Con' d

67. Witch Hazel.

68. Sycamore.

69. Black Cherry.

70. Wild Plum.

71. Service Berry.

72. Cockspur Thorn.

73. Scarlet Haw.

74. Pear Haw.

75. Washington Haw.

76. Black Locust.

77. Honey Locust.

78. Kentucky Coffee Tree.

79. Yellow \Yood.

80. Redbud.

81. Three-leaved Hop Tree.

82. American Holly.

83. Mountain Holly.

84. Deciduous Holly.

85. Sugar Maple.

86. Black Maple.

87. Silver Maple.

88. Red Maple.

89. Mountain Maple.

90. Striped Maple.

91. Boxelder.

92. Ohio Buckeye.

93. Yellow Buckeye.

94. Indian Cherry.

95. American Linden.

96. White Basswood.

97. Hercules' Club.

98. Tupelo Gum.

99. Black Gum.

100. Flowering Dogwood.

101. Rhododendron.

102. Sourwood.

103. Persimmon.
104. Silverbell Tree.

105. White Ash.

106. Red Ash.

107. Green Ash.

108. Blue Ash.

109. Black Ash.

110. Fringe Tree.

111. Catalpa speciosa.

112. Catalpa bignonioides.

134 Xative Trees of Kentucky

LIST OF TREES IN DOUBT.

1. Table-mountain Pine_. -I'inus pungent

2. Ward Willow. _Salix wardi

3. Planer Tree _ -Planera aquatica

4. Sweet Crab-. .Pyrns coronaria

5. Mountain Ash .Pyrus americana

6. Water Locust- .-Gleditsia aquatica

7. Wrater Gum -Nyssa biflora

8. Buckthorn Bumelia .Bumelia lycioides

DOUBTFUL WHETHER TREES OR SHRUBS IN

KENTUCKY.

1. Staghorn Sumach _ .Rlius hirta

2. Dwarf Sumach _Rhus copallina

3. Poison Sumach Rhus vernix

4. Wahoo __ Euonymus atropurpureus

5. Blue Dogwood ..Cornus alternifolia

6. Mountain Laurel _Kalmia latifolia

7. Sheepberry -Viburnum lentago

8. Nannyberry (Black Haw). .Viburnum prunifolium

9. Choke Cherry .Prunus virginiana

10. Clammy Locust -Robinia viscosa

FOREIGN TREES THAT HAVE BECOME
SPONTANEOUS IX KENTUCKY.

1. White Poplar Populus alba

2. White Willow . -Salix alba

3. White Mulberry- _Morus alba

4. Paper Mulberry -Moms papyrifera

5. Tree of Heaven -Ailanthus glandulosa

6. Paulownia Tree Paulownia tomentosa

7. English Hawthorn Crataegus oxyacantha

Index.

Ailanthus 134

American Beech 42

American Holly 101

American Linden 113

Angelica Tree 114

Angiosperms . ._11-20

Ashes 125-128

A-h-leaved Maple 107

Bald Cypress 18

Barren Oak 64

Basket Oak 56

Bear Oak 66

Beech Family 41-66

Big Bud Hickory 35

Big Xut Hickory 33
Birch Family __36-38

Bitternut 35

Black Ash 128

Black Birch 40

Black Gum . 118

Black Haw 134

Black Hickory . 33

Black Jack 64

Black Locust 95

Black Maple 104

Black Oak . 59
Black Oak Group ___. .___59-60
Black Walnut

Black Willow

Blue Ash 128

Blue Dogwood 134

Boxelder 107

Buckeye Family 108-111

Buckthorn Bumelia 134

Buckthorn Family 112

Bur Oak 48

Butternut . 35

136 Index

Canadian Hemlock 16
Catalpa Family ..130-131

Cherry Birch 40

Chestnut . _43-44

Chestnut Oak 52

Chinquapin 44

Chinquapin Oak _ 53

Choke Cherry __. 134

Clammy Locust 134

Cockspur thorn 132

Conefirs 11

Cork Elm 71

Cottonwood 22

Cow Oak 56

Cucumber Tree 79

Custard Apple Family , 82

Deciduous Cypress 18

Deciduous Holly 102

Dog-wood Family __•_. 115-119

Downy Poplar __ 23

Dwarf Sumach 134

Ear-leaved Umbrella Tree 80

Ebony Family 123

Elm Family ___ __68-72

English Hawthorn . 134

Fetid Buckeye ___ 108

Flowering Dogwood 119

Fringe Tree 129

Ginseng Family 114

Glaucous Willow 25

Gray Birch . 39

Great Laurel __. 120

Green Ash . 127

Gymnosperms 11

Hackberry

Haws ___.

Heath Family 120-122

Hemlock 160

Hercules' Club 114

Index 137

Hickories 31-35

Holly Family -101-102

Honey Locust 96

Hop Tree 100

Hop Hornbeam 37

Hornbeam . 37

Indian Bean 131

Indian Cherry 112

Ironwood 37

Junebcrry 93

Junipers 19

Kingiiut 33

Kentucky Coffee Tree . 97

Large-leaved Magnolia 81

Large-toothed Aspen _

I .aurel Family

Laurel Oak 66

Linden Family 113

Locusts -95-96

Long-leaf Willow 25

Magnolia Family

Mahogany Birch 40

Maple Family ._ 103-107

Muckernut

Mossy Cup Oak . 48

Mountin Ash 134

Mountain Holly 1()-

Mountain Laurel

Mountain Maple . '(l(l

Mulberry Family . .-73-74

Xettle Tree

Nannyberry

Narrow-leaved Chestnut

138 Index

( )aks 45-66

Ohio Buckeye 108

Old Field Pine 13

( )live Family _125-129

Osage Orange 74

Overcup Oak __ 52

Paper Mulberry 134

Paulownia 134

Pawpaw 82

Pea Family. 94-99

Pecan 35

Persimmon 123

Pignut 33

Pin Oak 62

Pine Family 11-13

Pitch Pine . 15

Planer Tree Family 88

Planer Tree 134

Poison Sumach 134

Poplars . ..21-23

Post Oak 50

Pussy Willow 25

Red Ash 127

Redbud 99

Red Cedar 19

Red Gum 85

Red Maple 105

Red Mulberry 73

Red Oak . 59

Rhododendron 120

Rock Elm . __ 71

Rock Maple 104

Rose Family ..91-100

Rue Family 100

Sandbar Willow 25

Sassafras 83

Scalybark Hickory 30

Scarlet Haw ; 65

Scarlet Oak 60

Index 139

Scrub Pine 15

Service Berry .__ 93

Shadbush 93

Shagbark Hickory 32

Shellbark Hickory 30

Sheepberry .__ 134

Shingle Oak 66

Short-leaf Pine . 13

Silverbell Tree 124

Silver Maple 105

Slippery Elm __ 70

Sour wood 122

Spanish Oak _ 62

Staghorn Sumach 134

Storax Family 124

Striped Maple 106

Sugarberry .__ 72

Sugar Maple _ 104

Swamp Cottonwood _ 23

Swamp Spanish Oak . 64

Swamp Post Oak . 52

Swamp White Oak . 54

Sweet Birch . 40

Sweet Crab 134

Sweet Gum . 85

Sycamore 88

Table-mountain Pine 134

Texan Oak . 60

Three-leaved Hop Tree ICO

Tree of Heaven 134

Tulip Tree __. 76-78

Tupelo Gum 116

Umbrella Tree 80

Viburnum 134

Wafer Ash . 100

Walnut Family __26-35

Ward Willow . 134

Washington Haw _. 134

Water B'irch - 39

Water Gum 134

i 40 Index

Water Lncust 134

Water Oak 66

Western Catalpa - 130

White Ash 126

White Basswood 113

White Elm 69

White Mulberry 134

White Oak 46

White Pine 14

White Poplar 134

White Walnut 30

White Willow 134

Wild Black Cherry . 92

Wild Yellow Plum _ 92

Willow Family 21-25

Willow Hickory ! 35

Willow Oak . 66

Winged Elm 71

Witch Hazel _ 86

Witch Hazel Family . __84-86

Yellow Birch 39

Yellow Buckeye . 109

Yellow Buckthorn 112

Yellow Word 98

6131