WEST VIRGINIA TREES
BULLETIN 175
Agricultural Experiment Station
College of Agriculture

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

Morgantown

JOHN LEE COULTER, Director

Bulletin 175 September, 1920

Agricultural Experiment Station

College of Agriculture, West Virginia University

JOHN LEE COULTER, Director,
MORGANTOWN

West Virginia Trees

A Stand of Young White Pines.

BY
A. B. BROOKS

Bulletins and Reports of this Station will be mailed free to any citizen of West Virginia upon written application. Address Director of the West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, Morgantown, W. Va.

THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA

Educational Institutions

[1] In co-operation with U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

[PREFACE]

The native trees of West Virginia number about 125, of which 101 are described and illustrated in this publication. The omissions are principally species of unimportant willows and hawthorns which can be identified only by specialists. Some of the more common introduced trees are mentioned in the family descriptions on pages 13 to 27, and a few are illustrated in groups after the descriptions of native species. It has been the object to simplify everything in this publication as much as possible. The meaning of unfamiliar words in the keys and descriptions can be learned by consulting the glossary beginning on page [237].

The keys are based principally on characters of leaf and fruit since these are usually available for study during several months in the summer and fall. The text, however, contains brief descriptions of the flowers which often denote most surely the natural relationship of species.

Scientific names and the order of arrangement are essentially those of the seventh edition of Gray’s New Manual of Botany.

The drawings were made by the writer from specimens collected during the past few years.

This bulletin has been prepared mainly for those who desire to become more familiar with our native and introduced trees, but who do not have access to the larger publications on the subject. It will serve also as a basis for future forestry studies in the State. Popular interest in forestry, which is sadly lacking in West Virginia at this time, will be stimulated by a more general and more intimate acquaintance with the different kinds of trees. It is hoped that this bulletin will help to create the needed interest. If difficulty is found in determining the name of any tree, specimens mailed to the West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, Morgantown, West Virginia, will be named, if possible, without charge.

—A.B. BROOKS.

Morgantown, W. Va.
September 1, 1920.

CONTENTS

West Virginia Trees

By A. B. BROOKS

KEY TO THE GENERA

(Based on leaves and fruit)

• a.—Leaves simple.
• b.—Leaves needle-shaped, awl-shaped, or scale-like, usually evergreen; fruit a cone or berry-like.
• c.—Leaves in bundles of 2-many; fruit a cone.
• Leaves in bundles of 2-5, evergreen
• Pinus, p. [13].
• Leaves in clusters of 8-many on short spur-like branchlets, deciduous in autumn
• Larix, p. [13].
• c.—Leaves not in bundles, solitary.
• d.—Leaves alternate or whorled.
• Leaves 4-angled, harsh, needle-shaped
• Picea, p. [13].
• Leaves flat, whitened beneath, ½-1¼ inches long, sessile, aromatic; cones 2-4 inches long with deciduous scales; bark of twigs smooth, and on old trunks with raised resin-filled blisters
• Abies, p. [14].
• Leaves two-fifths to one-half inch long, short-petioled, flat and whitened beneath; cones about ¾ inch long with persistent scales; bark of twigs rough
• Tsuga, p. [14].
• d.—Leaves opposite.
• Leaves scale-like, decurrent on the stem, all of one kind; twigs flattened; fruit a small elongated cone with 8-12 over-lapping scales
• Thuja, p. [14].
• Leaves of two kinds, either scale-like or awl-shaped, not decurrent on the stem; twigs nearly terete; fruit a bluish, berry-like strobile
• Juniperus, p. [14].
• b.—Leaves flat and broad, usually deciduous.
• c.—Leaves alternate or clustered.
• d.—Leaves without lobes.
• e.—Leaves with margins entire or slightly undulate.
• f.—Leaves deciduous.
• Leaves 2-5 inches long, oval; fruit an ovoid, blue berry-like drupe, borne 1-3 in a drooping cluster
• Nyssa, p. [25].
• Leaves 2-5 inches long, ovate; fruit a spherical, blue berry-like drupe, borne many in an upright cyme, (Cornus alternifolia)
• Cornus, p. [25].
• Leaves 4-6 inches long, oval; fruit an edible berry ¾-1¼ inches in diameter
• Diospyros, p. [26].
• Leaves 4-12 inches long, obovate-lanceolate; fruit banana-like, 3-5 inches long, with many flattened seeds in the yellow flesh
• Asimina, p. [20].
• Leaves 6-24 inches long, ovate-obovate; fruit a cone-like or cucumber-like cylindrical mass 2-4 inches long
• Magnolia, p. [20].
• Leaves 3-5 inches long, heart-shaped; fruit a pod 2-3 inches long
• Cercis, p. [23].
• Leaves 4-6 inches long, oblong-lanceolate; fruit an acorn (Quercus imbricaria)
• Quercus, p. [17].
• f.—Leaves evergreen.
• Leaves 3-4 inches long; fruit many dry spherical capsules in a corymb
• Kalmia, p. [26].
• Leaves 4-11 inches long, evergreen; fruit an oblong, dry capsule, several in umbel-like clusters
• Rhododendron, p. [26].
• e.—Leaves with margins toothed.
• f.—Branches armed with stiff, sharp thorns.
• Leaves 1-3 inches long, serrate or doubly serrate; fruit a small pome
• Crataegus, p. [22].
• f.—Branches not armed with thorns.
• g.—Base of leaf decidedly oblique.
• Leaf-blade broad, heart-shaped, serrate; fruit a spherical woody drupe on stalks attached to an oblong bract
• Tilia, p. [25].
• Leaf-blade oval, doubly-serrate, primary veins straight; fruit an oval samara
• Ulmus, p. 19.
• Leaves 2-4 inches long, serrate; fruit a small sweet purple drupe
• Celtis, p. [19].
• g.—Base of leaf nearly symmetrical.
• h.—Teeth coarse, 2-5 to the inch.
• Leaves smooth, oval, 3-5 inches long; fruit a small bur with weak prickles and 3-faced nuts ½-¾ inch long
• Fagus, p. [17].
• Leaves 6-8 inches long; fruit a bur with stiff prickles and 1-3 rounded, brown nuts
• Castanea, p. [17].
• Leaves 2-4 inches long, broadly ovate to sub-orbicular; fruit a small capsule falling in spring
• Populus, p. [15].
• Leaves 4-8 inches long, lanceolate to obovate; fruit an acorn
• Quercus, p. [17].
• Leaves wavy-toothed with sharp spines, evergreen; fruit a small red drupe
• Ilex, p. [24].
• Leaves 4-6 inches long, oval; fruit a short woody pod with black seeds
• Hamamelis, p. [21].
• h.—Teeth fine, 6-many to the inch.
• i.—Leaves not doubly serrate.
• Leaves 1½-2 inches long, nearly as broad, tremulous on long petioles; fruit a small capsule. (P. tremuloides)
• Populus, p. [15].
• Leaves 2-6 inches long, often narrow; twigs easily separated at the joints; fruit a small capsule
• Salix, p. [14].
• Leaves 5-7 inches long, 1½-2½ inches wide, very smooth; bark acid; fruit a 5-valved capsule borne in clusters
• Oxydendrum, p. [26].
• Leaves 2-5 inches long, ovate to lanceolate; bark often bitter; fruit a drupe
• Prunus, p. 22.
• Leaves 3-4 inches long; fruit a red berry-like pome in clusters
• Amelanchier, p. [22].
• Leaves 3-5 inches long, nearly as wide, often heart-shaped, sometimes 2-5-lobed; fruit oblong, about 1 inch long, composed of many small drupes
• Morus, p. [19].
• Leaves 3-4 inches long, often doubly serrate or lobed on sterile shoots; fruit a greenish-yellow pome about 1 inch in diameter
• Pyrus, p. [21].
• Leaves 4-6 inches long, ovate-lanceolate; fruit 1-2 inches long, dry, 4-winged
• Halesia, p. [26].
• Leaves 4-5 inches long, ovate; fruit scarlet berry-like drupes on short stems and scattered along the branches (Ilex monticola)
• Ilex, p. [24].
• Leaves 2-5 inches long; fruit cone-like, containing many dry scales (B. lenta)
• Betula, p. [16].
• i.—Leaves doubly serrate.
• Leaves 2-4 inches long, thin; fruit a small nut enclosed in a halberd-shaped leaf-like involucre; trunk smooth and fluted
• Carpinus, p. [16].
• Leaves 3-5 inches long; fruit hop-like, composed of several inflated bracts overlapping and each containing a flat seed; bark brown with loose scales
• Ostrya, p. [16].
• Leaves 2-4 inches long; bark peeling off in papery scales; fruit oblong or ovate, 1-2 inches long, composed of numerous 3-lobed scales, bearing winged nuts
• Betula, p. [16].
• Leaves 1-3 inches long, sometimes serrate or lobed; twigs armed with stiff thorns; fruit a hard pome
• Crataegus, p. [22].
• Leaves 3-4 inches long, often serrate or lobed; fruit a sour yellowish pome about 1 inch in diameter
• Pyrus, p. [21].
• d.—Leaves lobed.
• e.—Margins of lobes entire.
• Leaves oval often without lobes or with 2-3 lobes, smooth, aromatic; fruit a dark blue drupe borne on a thickened red stem
• Sassafras, p. [21].
• Leaves broadly ovate, with truncate apex, 2 apical and 2-4 basal lobes; fruit a cone-like aggregate of dry, lance-shaped carpels
• Liriodendron, p. [20].
• Leaves variously lobed, some with bristle-tipped teeth; fruit an acorn
• Quercus, p. [17].
• e.—Margins of lobes not entire.
• Leaves thick, glossy, star-shaped, with fine pointed serrate lobes; fruit a pendulous spiny spherical head about 1 inch thick, composed of numerous capsules
• Liquidambar, p. [21].
• Leaves oval, pointed, often without lobes, thin, margins serrate or doubly serrate; fruit a yellowish pome 1-1½ inches thick
• Pyrus, p. [21].
• Leaves oval, pointed, often without lobes, thin, margins serrate or doubly serrate; fruit a pome about two-fifths of an inch thick, often red; twigs armed with thorns
• Crataegus, p. [22].
• Leaves often broadly ovate and not lobed, sometimes with 2-5 lobes, serrate; fruit oblong, about 1 inch long, an aggregate of many small dark purple drupes
• Morus, p. [19].
• Leaves nearly round in outline, 3-5 lobed, coarse sinuate-toothed; fruit a round pendulous head 1 inch thick; composed of many hairy achenes
• Platanus, p. [21].
• c.—Leaves opposite.
• d.—Leaf margins entire or slightly undulate.
• Leaves 3-5 inches long, ovate; fruit a bright red ovoid drupe, two-fifths inch long in small bunches
• Cornus, p. [25].
• Leaves 4-8 inches long, ovate; fruit a dark blue ovoid drupe, ¾ of an inch long, in drooping, loose clusters
• Chionanthus, p. [27].
• d.—Leaf margins not entire.
• Leaves 3-5 lobed, finely or coarsely toothed, fruit a drooping samara
• Acer, p. [24].
• Leaves not lobed, 1-3 inches long, oval, finely toothed; fruit a dark blue drupe borne in clusters
• Viburnum, p. [27].
• a.—Leaves compound.
• b.—Leaves alternate.
• c.—Margins of leaflets entire.
• Leaves pinnate, 8-14 inches long; fruit a pod 2-4 inches long; limbs bearing short spines in pairs at the nodes
• Robinia, p. [23].
• Leaves 3-foliate; fruit a samara, winged all around, in drooping clusters
• Ptelea, p. [23].
• Leaves pinnate with 9-21 leaflets; fruit small, red or white dry drupes in dense upright or loose drooping clusters
• Rhus, p. [23].
• c.—Margins of leaflets not entire.
• Leaves pinnate with 11-23 serrate leaflets; fruit a large sculptured nut
• Juglans, p. [15].
• Leaves odd-pinnate, with 3-11 leaflets; fruit a smooth or angled nut
• Carya, p. [15].
• Leaves odd-pinnate, with 13-17 lance-shaped leaflets; fruit a small red acid pome, borne many in a flat-topped cluster. (Pyrus Americana)
• Pyrus, p. [21].
• Leaves doubly compound with many ovate serrate leaflets; fruit a small ovoid black berry in large branching clusters; twigs and trunk armed with sharp spines
• Aralia, p. [25].
• b.—Leaves opposite.
• c.—Leaves pinnate, fruit a samara.
• Leaflets, 3-5, samaras paired
• Acer, p. [24].
• Leaflets, 5-11, samaras, not paired
• Fraxinus, p. [26].
• c.—Leaves digitate, fruit a globular capsule containing large brown nuts
• Aesculus, p. [25].

PINACEAE—THE PINE FAMILY

The Pine family comprises nearly 300 species belonging to 34 genera, distributed principally in temperate regions throughout the world. This family is of great economic importance, supplying a larger quantity of lumber than any other family as well as enormous amounts of tannin, turpentine, resin, tar and pitch. Many of its members also are highly useful for ornamental purposes.

The leaves of the trees and shrubs belonging to the Pine family are needle-shaped, awl-shaped, or scale-like, and are usually persistent for more than one year, the American Larch or Tamarack being the only exception to this rule in West Virginia. The seeds are borne either in true cones, or in berry-like fruits such as are produced on the cedars.

The following are the genera of Pinaceae represented in West Virginia:

Pinus.—Of the 34 species of pines native to North America only 5 are found in West Virginia. These are described and illustrated on following pages. Besides the native pines several introduced species are planted on lawns and in parks. The most common of the exotics are Red Pine (Pinus resinosa, Ait.) and Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris, L.), the former having smooth cones about 2 inches long and leaves 4-6 inches long, two in a bundle, and the latter having cones 1½-2½ inches long, and leaves 1½-3½ inches long, two in a bundle.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PINUS

• Leaves 5 in a cluster; cones smooth, 4-10 inches long
• P. strobus, p. [29].
• Leaves fewer than 5 in a cluster; cones less than 4 inches long.
• Leaves 3 in a cluster; cones with prickles
• P. rigida, p. [31].
• Leaves 2 in a cluster.
• Leaves stiff, sharp-pointed, 2-4 inches long; cones 2-4 inches long with very thick sharp spines
• P. pungens, p. [33].
• Leaves twisted 1½-3½ inches long; cones 2-3 inches long; scales terminated with prickles
• P. virginiana, p. [37].
• Leaves slender, not twisted, 3-4 inches long, often 3 in a cluster, especially near the ends of twigs
• P. echinata, p. [35].

Larix, (page [39]).—There are 10 known species of Larches found principally in the colder regions of the northern hemisphere. Three of these are indigenous to North America and one extends as far south as the northern part of West Virginia. Unlike most of the members of the Pine family the Larches shed their leaves each fall. The European Larch (Larix decidua, Mill.) is frequently planted for ornamental purposes. It can be distinguished from the native species by its much larger cones.

Picea, (page [41]).—Eight of the 18 or 20 known species of Spruces are native to North America and one species is found in West Virginia. The 2 introduced Spruces most commonly planted are Norway Spruce (Picea Abies, (L.) Karst.) and Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens, Engl.). The Norway Spruce can be distinguished from our native species by its much larger cones, and the Colorado Blue Spruce by its blue-green foliage.

Tsuga, (page [43]).—This genus comprises 8 species, 4 of which grow in Asia and 4 in North America. One of the 2 Eastern Hemlocks is common in West Virginia, the other (Tsuga caroliniana, Engl.) grows from the mountains of Virginia south to Georgia.

Abies, (page [45]).—The 25 known species of Firs are found principally in cold and temperate regions. Of the 10 species in North America only 2 are found east of the Rocky Mountains and 1 in West Virginia. The other Eastern Fir is Abies balsamea, (L.) Mill, which does not extend southward into this State.

Thuja, (page [47]).—Four species of Arbor Vitae are known, 2 of which are native to North America, one in the West and the other in the East. The limited distribution in West Virginia of the latter is given on the page describing this species.

Juniperus, (page [49]).—This is a large genus comprising 40 trees and shrubs. Of these, 16 species are found in North America. Red Cedar, described in this bulletin, is common in West Virginia and Juniperus communis, (L.) has been reported from Wood, Mineral and Fayette counties.

Other members of the Pine family which may be seen occasionally planted on lawns in West Virginia are the following:

White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides, (L.) B.S.P.)

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum, Rich.)

Ginkgo Tree (Ginkgo biloba, (L.)) and several other species and varieties of Junipers, Pines, Spruces, and Yews.

SALICACEAE—THE WILLOW FAMILY

The Willow family, which includes also the Poplars, comprises about 200 species, a large proportion of which are distributed in temperate and arctic zones. Several shrubby species extend far into the arctic regions.

On the whole this family is not important commercially, but with the disappearance of the more valuable kinds of trees the rapid-growing and easily-propagated Willows and Poplars are receiving more attention.

The 2 genera belonging to this family are given below:

Salix, (page [51]).—This genus comprises no fewer than 175 known species, 100 of which are native to North America. The following species are reported from West Virginia: S. nigra, Marsh., S. amygdaloides, Aud., S. discolor, Muhl., S. humilis, Marsh., S. cericea, Marsh. and S. cordata, Muhl. Doubtless several other species occur in the State. The task of determining the different species of Willows is one for the specialist who has devoted much time to their study. For this reason only one species, the common Black Willow of our stream banks, is described and illustrated in this bulletin. The most common introduced Willows are the well-known Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica, (L.)) and a yellow-twigged variety of the White Willow (Salix alba, var. vitellina, (L.) Koch.).

Populus.—The species of Poplars and Aspens number 27 of which 19 are native to North America and 3 to West Virginia. White Poplar (P. alba, (L.)) and Balm of Gilead (P. candicans, Ait.) are the principal introduced species planted in the State.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF POPULUS

• Leaves broadly deltoid, acuminate, marginal teeth somewhat incurved; trees of stream banks and extensively planted along streets
• P. deltoides, p. [57].
• Leaves ovate to sub-orbicular.
• Leaves coarsely sinuate-toothed, 3-5 inches long
• P. grandidentata, p. [55].
• Leaves finely serrate, less than 3 inches long
• P. tremuloides, p. [53].

JUGLANDACEAE—THE WALNUT FAMILY

The Walnut family, with its 6 genera and 35 species, is represented in North America by 2 genera (Juglans and Carya) and 19 species. This family is a very important one, contributing much of the costliest and most durable timber as well as large quantities of edible nuts. The wood of Black Walnut is especially adapted to fine cabinet work and that of the Hickories to the manufacture of vehicles, handles, etc., where strength and flexibility are desired.

Juglans.—The 15 species comprising this genus are found principally in the north temperate zone. Five species are native to North America and two are found in West Virginia. The English Walnut (Juglans regia, (L.)) which has been introduced and widely planted in the United States yields the valuable Circassian Walnut woods used in the manufacture of fine furniture as well as the walnuts sold in our markets.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF JUGLANS

• Leaflets 11-17, often viscid-hairy; pith chocolate-brown; fruit elongated, sticky-hairy
• J. cinerea, p. [59].
• Leaflets 13-23, not viscid-hairy; pith cream-colored; fruit globose, not sticky-hairy
• J. nigra, p. [61].

Carya.—The Hickory species number about 10, all of which are native to that part of North America lying east of the Rock mountains. At least 5 of these are found in West Virginia. Carya microcarpa, Nutt., not described herein is reported from Fayette County.

The Pecan Hickory (Carya illinoencis (Wang.) K. K.), a southern species prized for its nuts, is occasionally planted.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CARYA

• a. Bark of trunk not deeply furrowed or shaggy; husk of fruit less than ⅛ inch thick.
• Leaflets usually 5-7, glabrous beneath; the upper 2-2½ inches broad; kernel of nut sweet
• C. glabra, p. [69].
• Leaflets usually 7-11, somewhat downy beneath, the upper 1-1½ inches broad; kernel of nut bitter
• C. cordiformis, p. [71].
• a. Bark of trunk deeply furrowed or shaggy; husk of fruit more than ⅛ inch thick.
• Leaflets 5-7, scurfy or pubescent; bark rough but not shaggy; buds densely hairy
• C. alba, p. [67].
• Leaflets usually 7; nuts 1¼-2 inches long, pointed at both ends, dull white; bark shaggy
• C. laciniosa, p. [65].
• Leaflets usually 5; nuts smaller, rounded or notched at the base, white, thin-shelled; bark shaggy
• C. ovata, p. [63].

BETULACEAE—THE BIRCH FAMILY

The 6 genera and about 75 species belonging to this family are principally confined to the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere. In North America there are 5 genera and about 30 species, of which the 5 genera and at least 9 species grow in West Virginia. The Common Hazelnut (Corylus americana, Walt.) and the Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus rostrata, Ait.) are both common shrubs of the State. The Smooth Alder (Alnus rugosa, (DuRoi) Spreng.) and the Hoary Alder (Alnus incana, (L.) Moench.) are both to be found, the former abundant along our streams, and the latter rare in upland swamps. Alnus alnobetula (Ehrh.) K K. is also reported from Greenbrier, Fayette, and Randolph counties.

This family produces products of great value. The wood of Birches is used extensively for furniture and interior finish, and for fuel. Black Birch supplies a volatile oil of considerable importance. The wood of some of the Alders is becoming valuable on account of its use in the manufacture of gunpowder, and the fruits of the Hazelnuts bring a good price on the market. The following are our tree genera:

Ostrya, (page [73]).—Four species of Hop Hornbeam or Ironwood are known, 2 being found in North America. One of these is limited in its range to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, in Arizona; the other is widely distributed and is common locally in West Virginia.

Carpinus, (page [75]).—Eleven species of Hornbeams are native to Asia and Europe and only 1 species is found in North America. This is abundant in most parts of West Virginia.

Betula.—This genus comprises 25 known species of trees and 10 species of shrubs. About 15 of these are native to North America and 3 to West Virginia. Besides our native species the Gray Birch (Betula populifolia, Marsh.) and varieties of White Birch (Betula alba, L.) are often planted for ornamental purposes.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF BETULA

• Bark of the trunk light-colored with thin layers curling or peeling off.
• Outer bark yellowish, fruits usually sessile; leaves usually rounded at base; twigs with slight wintergreen taste
• B. lutea, p. [79].
• Outer bark reddish-brown, inner bark tinged with red; fruits on slender stalks; leaves usually wedge-shaped at base; not aromatic
• B. nigra, p. [81].
• Bark of trunk rough, dark gray, without thin outer layers; bark of twigs with wintergreen taste
• B. lenta, p. [77].

FAGACEAE—THE BEECH FAMILY

There are 6 genera and about 400 species of trees and shrubs belonging to the Beech family of which 5 genera and about 60 species are native to North America. Fourteen species of Oaks, 2 species of Chestnuts, and 1 species of Beech occur in West Virginia.

This large family is second in importance only to the Pine family and in some respects surpasses it. Nearly all its members, especially the various kinds of oaks, produce wood of superior quality and adapted to a great variety of uses.

Fagus, (page [83]).—This genus comprises, in the world, 5 species, only 1 of which is found native in America. The others are Asiatic and European species. The European Beech (Fagus sylvatica, L.), and its varieties having purple leaves, cut leaves or pendent branches are often planted for ornamental purposes.

Castanea, (pp. [85], [87]).—Of the 5 or more species of chestnuts belonging to this genus, none is found in the western part of North America and 3 species are native to the eastern part of the United States. Castanea alnifolia, Nutt., is a shrub found in the southern Atlantic states. The European Chestnut (Castanea sativa), the Japanese Chestnut (Castanea Japonica) and the Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima) are all planted in this country for their nuts. The Japanese and Chinese species are more or less resistant to the chestnut bark disease and for this reason they and their hybrids with our native species are likely to receive much attention from nut-growers. The common Chestnut and the Chinquapin, both of which are natives of West Virginia, may be exterminated by the disease mentioned above.

Quercus.—The Oak genus comprises 300 known species in the world. Of these about 55 are indigenous to North America and 14 to West Virginia. The Oaks belong to two classes, namely, those that mature their acorns in one season and those that mature them in two. The West Virginia species are grouped below according to their classes:

White Oak Class:

• 1.—White Oak (Quercus alba).
• 2.—Post Oak (Quercus stellata).
• 3.—Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa).
• 4.—Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor).
• 5.—Yellow Oak (Quercus Muhlenbergii).
• 6.—Chestnut Oak (Quercus Prinus).

Black Oak Class:

• 1.—Red Oak (Quercus rubra).
• 2.—Pin Oak (Quercus palustris).
• 3.—Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea).
• 4.—Black Oak (Quercus velutina).
• 5.—Spanish Oak (Quercus falcata).
• 6.—Scrub Oak (Quercus ilicifolia).
• 7.—Black Jack Oak (Quercus marilandica).
• 8.—Laurel Oak (Quercus imbricaria).

The following key will assist in distinguishing the species.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF QUERCUS

• a. Apex of leaves or their lobes sharp-pointed, usually bristle tipped; acorn maturing at end of second season.
• b. Leaves entire, not lobed.
• Leaves often pubescent beneath
• Q. imbricaria, p. [115].
• b. Leaves lobed.
• Leaves very broad toward apex, with shallow lobes, brownish tomentose beneath
• Q. marilandica, p. [113].
• Leaves not uniform, lobes usually long and lanceolate, often scythe-shaped
• Q. falcata, p. [109].
• Leaves 2-5 inches long, densely white pubescent beneath; tree small, often a shrub
• Q. ilicifolia, p. [111].
• Leaves with sinuses extending not over half way to the mid-rib, dull green above; inner bark pinkish; acorn cup saucer-shaped
• Q. rubra, p. [101].
• Leaves of upper branches similar in shape to those of Q. rubra but bright green above; those on lower limbs and young trees often with lobes rounded; inner bark yellow; acorn cup top-shaped
• Q. velutina, p. [107].
• Leaves with sinuses extending at least ⅔ of the way to mid-rib; acorn cup large and top-shaped
• Q. coccinea, p. [105].
• Leaves similar to those of Q. coccinea but with acorn cup small and saucer-shaped; a tree of low grounds with lower branches drooping
• Q. palustris, p. [103].
• a. Apex of leaves or their lobes without bristle tips usually rounded; acorns maturing at end of first season.
• b. Leaves not deeply lobed.
• Leaves coarsely sinuate-crenate; acorns on stems 1-3 inches long; bark of branches with papery scales turning back
• Q. bicolor, p. [95].
• Leaves coarsely crenate-toothed; acorns 1-1½ inches long, glossy, cup deep and thin; bark of trunk deeply furrowed, dark gray or black
• Q. Prinus, p. [99].
• Leaves equally and sharply coarse-toothed; acorns less than an inch long; bark of tree not deeply furrowed,
• light gray, resembling that of White Oak
• Q. Muhlenbergii, p. [97].
• b. Leaves deeply lobed.
• Leaves 6-12 inches long, cut near the middle almost to mid-rib by two opposite rounded sinuses, 5-7 lobed, the terminal lobe large; acorn ¾-1½ inches long; cup deep, fringed around the outer rim
• Q. macrocarpa, p. [93].
• Leaves thick, leathery, usually 5-lobed, bright yellow-green above; acorns small, inch long
• Q. stellata, p. [91].
• Leaves 3-9 lobed, medium thin; acorn ¾-1¼ inches long
• Q. alba, p. [89].

URTICACEAE—THE NETTLE FAMILY

The trees and shrubs alone belonging to the Nettle family number 1000 or more, most of which are tropical. The herbaceous representatives of this family in West Virginia are mostly unimportant weeds, but the 3 genera and 4 species of trees have considerable commercial value and are attractive ornamentally.

Ulmus, (pp. [117], [119]).—There are about 15 known species of Elms of which 6 are native in North America and 3 in West Virginia. The English Elm (Ulmus campestris, L.) is planted for ornamental purposes. The Cork Elm (Ulmus racemosa, Thomas) is reported from Summers, Monroe, and Randolph counties.

Celtis, (page [121]).—There are about 60 species of Hackberries, 9 being natives of North America and 2 natives of West Virginia. Besides the species herein described Celtis pumila, Pursh, a shrubby variety, grows at Harpers Ferry and other stations in the eastern part of the State.

Morus, (page [123]).—About 10 species of Mulberries are known, of which 3 are native to North America and 1 to West Virginia. The White Mulberry (Morus alba, L.) a native of Asia, introduced to furnish food for silk worms, has become established in many sections.

The Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera, (Raf.) Sch.), a member of this family found native in the southwestern states, has been introduced into many sections where it is planted for hedges.

Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera, Vent.), a Japanese species, is reported from Jefferson, Berkeley, Kanawha, and other counties. The Common Fig Tree (Ficus Carica, L.) is occasionally found in the eastern part of the State where it has been planted.

MAGNOLIACEAE—THE MAGNOLIA FAMILY

The Magnolia family, comprising about 10 genera and 85 species of trees and shrubs, is represented in North America by 4 genera, two of which contain only shrubs. The other two include the valuable Magnolias and Tulip Tree which not only produce large quantities of choice lumber but are among the most desirable of our ornamental trees.

Magnolia, (pp. [125], [127], [129]).—Most of the 25 species of Magnolias are tropical only one venturing as far north as southern Canada. Three species are native in West Virginia. Magnolia virginiana, a fragrant-flowered species growing farther east and south, is sometimes planted in West Virginia but is not hardy. Several shrubby and arborescent Chinese and Japanese species are also grown for ornamental use.

Liriodendron, (page [131]).—The Chinese Liriodendron chinensis and our common Tulip Tree are the only known species belonging to this genus.

ANONACEAE—THE CUSTARD APPLE FAMILY

This family is essentially tropical, only a few of the 600 species being found in temperate regions. It has 2 genera, Asimina (page [133]) and Anona, the former having 5 species of shrubs in the south Atlantic and Gulf states, and one tree growing in the eastern half of the United States. Anona is a tropical genus.

The trees of this family are small and the wood has no commercial value. The fruit of our Common Pawpaw is sweet and edible, but to many persons distasteful. The tree is highly ornamental and interesting when growing singly or in groups.

LAURACEAE—THE LAUREL FAMILY

The Laurel family, with about 40 genera and nearly 1000 species, is represented in North America by 6 genera, of which 4 are arborescent. Most of the species are tropical. The 2 genera represented in West Virginia are Sassafras, (page [135]) and Benzoin, the latter having 1 shrubby species, the common Spice Bush. The Sassafras described herein is the only member of this genus in North America. Another species is found in China.

The members of this family are aromatic trees and shrubs, none of which is important as a wood producer. Some of them possess medicinal properties and all have ornamental value.

HAMAMELIDACEAE—THE WITCH HAZEL FAMILY

The Witch Hazel family comprises about 18 genera with 50 species most of which are native in Asia, South Africa and North America. Of the 3 North American genera 2 are arborescent. The genus Hamamelis (page [137]) has 2 species in Asia and 1 herein described. Liquidambar (page [139]) also comprises 2 Asiatic and 1 North American species, the latter being found in West Virginia.

The species produce hard, dark-colored and handsome wood.

PLATANACEAE—THE PLANE TREE FAMILY

The Plane Tree family has a single genus. Platanus, (page [141]) with about 7 species, 3 of which are native to North America and 1 to West Virginia. Of the exotic species the Old World Platanus orientalis, L. is frequently planted along streets for shade.

ROSACEAE—THE ROSE FAMILY

The Rose family with about 90 genera and 1,500 species is one of the largest and most important families of plants, including the apple, pear, cherry, plum, quince, raspberry, blackberry, and strawberry. About 90 species, 30 or more of which are trees, are found in West Virginia. The genera which include our tree species are given below:

Pyrus, (pp. [143], [145]).—This genus comprises about 40 species of trees and shrubs, 10 of which are native to North America and 2 or more to West Virginia. The apple and pear, introduced from Europe, are placed by some authors under the genus Malus, and Mountain Ash under the genus Sorbus. The latter is included under Pyrus in this bulletin. The European Mountain Ash (Pyrus aucuparia, (L.) Ehrh.) is often planted for ornamental purposes.

Amelanchier, (page [147]).—The Juneberry species number about 30. About 23 of these are found in North America, 6 of which attain tree size. Besides the species described herein, variety botryapium has been reported from Preston County and a specimen collected in Tucker County has been pronounced by Dr. C. S. Sargent as the recently-named Amelanchier laeris. A shrubby species (Amelanchier oligocarpa, (Michx.) Roem.) is found in Tucker and Pocahontas counties.

Crataegus, (pp. [149], [151]).—A few species of this genus occur in Europe and Asia, but most of them are native to North America. About 700 species of Thorns have been described. According to some authorities there are fewer species than have been described, while others affirm there are many yet to be found. Millspaugh’s Flora of West Virginia lists 22 species, and the writer has collected several additional species that have been examined and identified by Eggleston and others. Because the Thorns are of little commercial importance and are very difficult to identify only 2 species are described in this bulletin.

Prunus.—This genus includes the Plums and Cherries. Of the 100 or more species distributed in Asia, Europe and America, about 30 are native in the United States, and 4 or 5 are found in West Virginia.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PRUNUS

• a. Fruit in long racemose clusters.
• Leaves 2-5 inches long; fruit purplish-black
• P. serotina, p. [153].
• Leaves 2-4 inches long; fruit dark crimson
• P. virginiana, p. [155].
• a. Fruit in 4-5 fruited, umbel-like bunches.
• Leaves lanceolate, thin, 3-5 inches long; fruit ¼ inch in diameter, light red
• P. pennsylvanica, p. [157].
• Leaves obovate, thick, rough above, 1½-4 inches long; fruit 1 inch in diameter, red or yellow
• P. americana, p. [159].

LEGUMINOSAE—THE PULSE FAMILY

The Pulse family embraces over 400 genera with about 7,350 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs. Out of this number 100 genera with about 1,400 species are found in North America, and about 25 genera with 65 species are recorded for West Virginia. Only 3 genera with 3 species in this State can be classified as trees.

Gleditsia, (page [161]).—About 11 species belonging to this genus are distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia and eastern North America, 3 of which are native to the south-central and eastern parts of the United States. One is found in West Virginia.

Cercis, (page [163]).—This genus includes 7 species of small trees and shrubs distributed in parts of Europe, Asia and North America, 3 of which are found in the United States and one in West Virginia. The genus is of little commercial importance.

Robinia, (page [165]).—- This is an American genus containing 7 species, 4 of which are shrubs, one tree species being found in West Virginia. Locusts have been introduced into Europe where they are widely planted. The Rose Acacia (Robinia hispida, L.) is occasionally planted for ornamental purposes.

The Kentucky Coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioica, (L.) Koch.) has been planted in many sections of the State, and is reported by Millspaugh as native in Randolph and Webster counties.

RUTACEAE—THE RUE FAMILY

This large family is confined chiefly to the Old World and the southern hemisphere, and is largely made up of herbs. Four genera have tree representatives in the United States. The species are not commercially valuable. Ptelea (page [167]) is the only genus native to West Virginia. Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum, Mill.) grows in Monongalia, Jefferson, and Taylor counties, probably as an introduced species.

SIMARUBACEAE—THE QUASSIA FAMILY

The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus glandulosa, Desf.), introduced from Asia, has been extensively planted along streets and on lawns from which it has escaped in many places.

ANACARDIACEAE—THE CASHEW FAMILY

The Cashew or Sumach family is mainly tropical comprising about 50 genera with 500 species of trees, shrubs and woody vines. Its members are not valuable as wood producers but in many cases they have commercial importance on account of their acrid, milky, or resinous juice, used in medicine, tanning, and the manufacture of varnishes and resins, and on account of their attractive appearance when planted as ornaments. The genus Rhus, (pp. [169], [171], [173]) is the only one native to Northeastern America. There are 120 known species of Rhus, about 16 of which are found in North America and 6 in West Virginia. Besides those described in this bulletin the following shrubby species grow wild in the State: Smooth Sumach (Rhus glabra, L.), Poison Ivy (Rhus Toxicodendron, L.) and Fragrant Sumach (Rhus canadensis, Marsh.)

The Smoke Tree (Rhus Cotinus, L.), an introduced tree, is planted on lawns.

AQUIFOLIACEAE—THE HOLLY FAMILY

The Holly family with 5 genera and nearly 300 species is distributed in temperate and tropical regions of both hemispheres. Ilex, (pp. [175], [177]) which is represented in West Virginia by 4 species of small trees and shrubs, is the only genus of this family which is important in number of species or is widely distributed. Our hollies, not described herein, are Winterberry (Ilex verticillata, (L.) Gray), a low shrub common in high swamps; and a rare shrubby species with long-stalked fruits (Ilex longipes Chapm.) recently collected in Randolph County. Nemopanthus mucronata, (L.) Trel., also a member of this family, is a common shrub growing at high altitudes in this State.

ACERACEAE—THE MAPLE FAMILY

This family includes only 2 genera, one of which (Dipternia) contains a single Chinese species. The genus Acer comprises about 70 species distributed principally in the northern hemisphere. There are 13 species native to the United States, 6 of which are found in West Virginia.

The maples not only produce much valuable wood but are used more extensively than any other group for ornamental purposes. The principal exotic species are Norway Maple (Acer platanoides, L.), and Sycamore Maple (Acer Pseudo-Platanus, L.).

The following key will be of use in distinguishing the species:

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ACER

• a. Leaves simple.
• b. Leaf sinuses acute at base.
• Leaf-lobes long and narrow, leaves silvery white beneath; fruit in pairs, each key 1-2 inches long, falling in May
• A. saccharinum, p. [187].
• Leaf-lobes short and broad, leaves white-downy beneath, 3-lobed; fruit small, several, persistent till fall, in long drooping clusters; a small tree or shrub
• A. spicatum, p. [181].
• Leaves whitish and nearly glabrous beneath, 3-5 lobed, lobes broad and short; fruit in small clusters, falling in early summer
• A. rubrum, p. [189].
• b. Leaf sinuses rounded at base, leaves 3-lobed, finely and evenly toothed; fruit several in drooping racemes; a small tree or shrub with striped bark
• A. pennsylvanicum, p. [179].
• Leaves usually 5-lobed (or 3-lobed in variety nigrum, p. 185), the lobes sparingly wavy-toothed; fruit in small clusters, persisting until fall; a large tree
• A. saccharum, p. [183].
• a. Leaves compound; twigs greenish; fruit in long drooping racemes
• A. negundo, p. [191].

SAPINDACEAE—THE SOAPBERRY FAMILY

This family embraces 100 genera and about 1000 species, chiefly tropical in the Old World. Six genera of trees occur in North America. The genus Aesculus, (pp. [193], [195]) comprises 14 species, 10 of which are found in America and 2 in West Virginia. No other genus of this family is represented in the flora of the State. The Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum, L.) is a common introduced species.

TILIACEAE—THE LINDEN FAMILY

The Linden family with about 35 genera and over 300 species is chiefly tropical, having more representatives in the southern than in the northern hemisphere. Of the 3 North American genera only one (Tilia) is arborescent. Of the 8 species of Tilia (pp. [197], [199]) found in North America 2 are native to West Virginia. The European Linden (Tilia Europea, L.) is occasionally planted.

ARALIACEAE—THE GINSENG FAMILY

This family having about 50 genera with over 400 species is chiefly tropical, though widely distributed in other parts of the world. The genus Aralia (page [201]) contains the only tree species in North America. This is common in West Virginia.

CORNACEAE—THE DOGWOOD FAMILY

The Dogwood family, with 15 genera, is widely distributed in temperate regions. Cornus (pp. [203], [205]) and Nyssa (page [207]) are the only genera having tree representatives in North America. Of the 40 known species of Cornus 15 are native to North America and 7 to West Virginia. The shrubby species are listed on page [234]. Nyssa comprises 7 known species, 5 of which are found in North America and 1 in this State.

ERICACEAE—THE HEATH FAMILY

The Heath family with its 90 genera and 1,400 species is widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions. Of the 40 genera found in the United States 7 have tree representatives. The flora of West Virginia comprises about 22 genera and 40 species belonging to this family. Many of these are shrubs, the names of which are given in the list of native shrubs beginning on page [232].

Three small trees belonging to the following genera are described herein.

Rhododendron, (page [209]).—This genus embraces about 100 species of shrubs and small trees in the Northern hemisphere besides a large number in the southern. Of the 17 or more species native to North America only 1 reaches tree size. In addition to the species described herein the flora of the State embraces the Mountain Rose Bay (R. catawbiense, Michx.) and several species of Azaleas.

Kalmia, (page [211]).—The genus Kalmia includes about 5 species in North America, 2 of which are found in West Virginia. Kalmia angustifolia, L. is a rare shrub reported from several counties in the State.

Oxydendrum, (page [213]).—This genus contains a single species, the Sour-wood, described in this bulletin.

EBENACEAE—THE EBONY FAMILY

The Ebony family with 6 genera and many species is distributed chiefly in tropical regions of both hemispheres. The genus Diospyros (page [215]) is the only representative of this family in the United States and includes 2 species one of which is native to West Virginia.

STYRACACEAE—THE STORAX FAMILY

This family embracing about 7 genera and comparatively few species is distributed principally in North and South America and in eastern Asia. Of the 3 North American genera only Halesia (page 217) is found in West Virginia.

OLEACEAE—THE OLIVE FAMILY

The Olive family comprises about 20 genera with 500 species distributed principally in the northern hemisphere. In North America there are 5 genera with 20 species and in West Virginia 2 genera with 4 species. The Olive Tree (Olea Europaea, L.), which produces the olives used for food, belongs to this family. This tree has been introduced into the southwestern part of the United States. The Syringas, (Lilacs), Forsythias, and Ligustrums (Privets) are extensively planted in this State for ornamental purposes and for hedges. The two genera described below have representatives in West Virginia.

Fraxinus, (pp. [219], [221], [223]).—The Ashes, numbering about 40 species, are distributed chiefly in the north temperate zone. Of this number 16 occur in North America and 3 in West Virginia. The European Ash, (F. excelsior, L.) is occasionally planted.

Chionanthus, (page [225]).—This genus embraces only 2 species one of which is found in West Virginia. The other is native to northern and central China.

CAPRIFOLIACEAE—THE HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY

The Honeysuckle family, comprising about 10 genera with 275 species, is represented in North America by 8 genera and in West Virginia by 7 genera and about 18 species. Of this number 15 are shrubs or small trees. The species not described herein belonging to the genera Viburnum (pp. [227], [229]), Diervilla, Lonicera, and Sambucus, are given in the list of native shrubs.

WHITE PINE

Pinus strobus, L.

Form.—Height 50-100 feet, diameter 2-4 feet; trunk when in close stands long, straight, and free from limbs; limbs arranged in whorls.

Leaves.—Arranged in clusters of 5, slender, 3-sided mucronate, 3-5 inches long, blue-green when mature.

Flowers.—May; monoecious; the staminate oval, light brown one-third inch long, clustered at base of new growth; the pistillate catkins in small groups or solitary along the new growth, cylindrical, about ¼ inch long, pink.

Fruit.—Cones maturing in autumn of second year, drooping, cylindrical, often curved, 4-6 inches long, scales thin without spines; seeds red-brown mottled with black spots, ¼ inch long with wings 1 inch long.

Bark.—On young branches smooth, green, often with red tinge; on old trunks thick, divided by shallow fissures into wide flat-topped ridges covered with purplish scales.

Wood.—Soft, weak, straight-grained, easily worked, not durable in contact with the ground, light brown with whitish sapwood.

Range.—Newfoundland and Manitoba to Pennsylvania, Indiana and Iowa, and south along the Alleghany mountains to northern Georgia.

Distribution in West Virginia.—Originally abundant in parts of Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Raleigh, and Tucker counties, and sparingly distributed in all the counties east of the Alleghanies, and in Gilmer, Jackson, Monongalia, Preston, Ritchie, Tyler, Wetzel, and Wirt counties. Now becoming rare.

Habitat.—Prefers fertile, well-drained soil, but will grow in all soils and situations excepting swamps and dry wind-swept ridges.

Notes.—White Pine is easily distinguished from all other native species by the leaves which are in clusters of five. This tree is one of the most valuable and beautiful of the conifers. Its wood is extensively used for shingles, construction, cabinet work, woodenware, matches, etc. As an ornamental tree it is especially attractive. A fungous disease, the white pine blister rust, threatens to destroy the species.

PITCH PINE

Pinus rigida, Mill.

Form.—Usually 50-60 feet high, 1-2½ feet in diameter; trunk not straight, tapering; crown rounded, usually open; limbs coarse, gnarled, with thick bark, and persistent old cones.

Leaves.—In clusters of three; stout, rigid, somewhat twisted, often standing at right angles with the branches; yellow-green.

Flowers.—Appear April-May; monoecious; the staminate in crowded spikes, at base of new growth, yellow; the pistillate short-stalked, nearly round, green tinged with rose.

Fruit.—Cones maturing autumn of second year; ovoid, often clustered, divergent from stem, 1-3 inches long, adhering for several years; scales thin, armed with stiff recurved prickles; triangular seeds ¼ inch long with wing ¾ inch long, one-third inch wide, dark brown to black, sometimes spotted with gray or red dots.

Bark.—Twigs green becoming dull orange and then gray-brown with age; trunk with rough, thick, deeply-and irregularly-furrowed, red-brown bark.

Wood.—Light, soft, brittle, coarse-grained, durable, resinous; with thick yellowish sapwood.

Range.—New Brunswick and Lake Ontario, south to Georgia, and west to the Alleghany foothills of West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Distribution in West Virginia.—Found locally in the following counties: Boone, Braxton, Berkeley, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Kanawha, Logan, Mercer, Monroe, Mingo, Nicholas, Preston, Pocahontas, Randolph, Roane, Summers, Tyler and Wayne. Rare in McDowell, Wyoming, and Webster.

Habitat.—Prefers dry sandy soils of hillsides, sometimes found in swamps.

Notes.—This is our only native pine having all the leaves in bundles of three. It is of much less value than the White Pine but wall often grow where other pines will not. and is resistant to fire. Wood used chiefly for mine props, fuel, charcoal, boxes, crates, and construction. Tar is sometimes made from this wood, and the resin-filled knots and wood are excellent for kindling fires.

TABLE MOUNTAIN PINE

Pinus pungens, Lamb.

Form.—A small tree 30-50 feet high, 1-2½ feet in diameter; trunk sometimes with limbs almost to the ground, the lower drooping, the upper ascending; often bearing cones when only a few feet tall.

Leaves.—Two in a bundle, stiff, usually twisted, sharp-pointed, 1½-3 inches long; dark blue-green.

Flowers.—April-May; monoecious; staminate in long, loose spikes, anthers yellow; pistillate clustered on sides of new growth.

Fruit.—Cones large, oblong-conical, oblique at base, 2-3½ inches long, hanging on for many years; scales with very stout, curved prickles.

Bark.—On the trunk broken by fissures into irregular plates with loose red-brown scales.

Wood.—Light, soft, brittle, coarse-grained, resinous, brown with yellowish sapwood.

Range.—Pennsylvania and New Jersey to northern Georgia, in the Appalachian mountains.

Distribution in West Virginia.—Scattered sparingly in the counties along the Alleghany Mountains.

Habitat.—Usually found on dry gravelly slopes and ridges.

Notes.—This species is most easily distinguished from the other pines of the State by the very large and prickly cones and by the bundles of two stiff, short leaves. The yellow pine which has some of its leaves grouped in twos has very small and nearly smooth cones. Not valuable for lumber; used chiefly for fuel and charcoal.

YELLOW PINE

Pinus echinata, Mill.

Form.—From 80-100 feet high, 2-3½ feet in diameter; trunk straight, slightly tapering; crown pyramidal or rounded; limbs not tolerant of shade and in dense stands dropping off early leaving a long, clean trunk.

Leaves.—In clusters of 2 and 3, the leaves in threes more often near the ends of twigs; slender, flexible, 3-5 inches long, blue-green.

Flowers.—April-May; monoecious, pale purple, staminate flowers in clusters at base of new growth; pistillate flowers 2-4 in a whorl near end of new growth, pale rose-colored.

Fruit.—Cones maturing at end of second year; ovoid, 1½-2½ inches long; flat scales, armed with weak, often deciduous prickles; seeds triangular, winged, brown mottled with black.

Bark.—On the trunk broken into large more or less rectangular plates the scales of which readily peel off.

Wood.—Hard, heavy, coarse-grained, yellowish.

Range.—New York to Florida and west to Missouri and Texas.

Distribution in West Virginia.—A scattered growth in the hilly counties lying east of the Ohio river and in the counties along the Alleghany Mountains.

Habitat.—Usually found with hardwoods and other pines on clay or gravelly soil, on hills or stony slopes.

Notes.—The Yellow-Pine can be distinguished from the other pines by its clusters of two and three slender leaves and its small cones. It furnishes excellent lumber for commerce and is extensively used for many purposes in buildings.

JERSEY OR SCRUB PINE

Pinus virginiana, Mill.

Form.—A small tree usually 30-50 feet high, diameter 1-2 feet; trunk short and often crooked; crown pyramidal to flat-topped.

Leaves.—Clustered in twos, 1½-3 inches long, twisted, rather stout, sharp-pointed, gray-green.

Flowers.—April-May; monoecious; staminate in clusters at base of new growth, yellow-brown; pistillate near middle of season’s growth, pale green, the scale tips rose-colored.

Fruit.—Ovoid when open, sometimes slightly curved; scales thin, nearly flat, bright brown, with persistent prickles.

Bark.—With shallow fissures, and dark brown loose scales.

Wood.—Light, soft, brittle, pale orange with whitish sapwood.

Range.—Southern New York to Georgia, west to Kentucky and southern Indiana.

Distribution in West Virginia.—Common in Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan, Grant, Mercer and other counties southward along the mountains; less common in Barbour, Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, Monongalia, Randolph, Ritchie, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

Habitat.—Prefers light sandy and thin rocky soils; often found on exhausted farm lands.

Notes.—This species is most easily confused with yellow pine, but can be distinguished by its uniform 2-leaf clusters, small prickly cones and comparatively smooth bark. The leaves are twisted and divergent, giving the twigs a disheveled appearance. Of little value as a timber tree; wood used chiefly for boxes, crates, fencing, ties, and fuel.

TAMARACK

Larix laricina, (DuRoi) Koch.

Form.—A tree usually 30-60 feet high, 1-2 feet in diameter; trunk straight, tapering, and having numerous slender, upward-curving branches; crown narrowly pyramidal.

Leaves.—Scattered singly or clustered in dense fascicles on short lateral spurs; linear, triangular in cross-section, ¾-1¼ inches long, light green, falling each year in autumn.

Flowers.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; staminate sessile, sub-globose, yellow; pistillate oblong with light-colored bracts and nearly orbicular rose-colored scales.

Fruit.—Cones mature autumn of first season; ovoid, obtuse, ½-¾ inch long with few light brown rounded scales.

Bark.—Thin, roughened with small rounded red-brown scales.

Wood.—Heavy, hard, slightly resinous, very strong, durable in soil, light brown.

Range.—Newfoundland south to Maryland and West Virginia, west to Minnesota and the Rocky Mountains, through British Columbia to Alaska.

Distribution in West Virginia.—A few trees near Cranesville, Preston County, growing in a swamp.

Habitat.—Prefers swamps and lake borders, but thrives in many other places.

Notes.—Tamarack is our only native cone-bearer with deciduous leaves. This tree has been transplanted in several places in the State where it makes a good appearance on the lawn.

RED SPRUCE

Picea rubra, (DuRoi) Deitr.

Form.—Height 70-80 feet, diameter 2-3 feet; trunk straight, continuous, free from limbs to a considerable height when in close stands; crown conical; limbs somewhat drooping below, horizontal in the middle, ascending above.

Leaves.—Crowded and diverging in all directions from the twig; rounded or acute points, ½-⅝ inch long, dark yellow-green.

Flowers.—April-May; monoecious; staminate oval, almost sessile, red; pistillate oblong, with thin rounded scales.

Fruit.—Cones ovate-oblong, narrowed from middle to acute apex; 1¼-2 inches long; scales reddish-brown with entire margins.

Bark.—Roughened by thin, irregular-shaped brown scales.

Wood.—Light, soft, close-grained, not strong, pale in color, with whitish sapwood.

Range.—Newfoundland to West Virginia and southward along the Alleghany Mountains to northern Georgia, west to Minnesota.

Distribution in West Virginia.—Growing at high elevation in Grant, Tucker, Randolph, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Webster, Nicholas and Greenbrier counties. Now largely removed by lumbermen.

Habitat.—Well-drained uplands; also on mountain tops and occasionally on borders of swamps.

Notes.—Since this species is the only native spruce in West Virginia there is no cause for confusing it with anything else. Norway spruce has much larger cones. Originally red spruce was one of our principal lumber trees, but when it is removed there is but little natural reproduction. Often planted for shade. Wood used for construction, musical instruments, furniture, aeroplanes and paper pulp.

HEMLOCK

Tsuga canadensis, (L.) Carr.