98 OUTLINE OF PLANT GEOGRAPHY 



the cucumber tree (M. acuminata) and sweet bay (M. glauca) 

 of the coastal swamps, extend as far north as New York. The 

 southern species, like M. grandiflora and M. macrophylla, are 

 very tropical looking with their big leaves and giant flowers. 



The larger trees form a close forest with a dense canopy of 

 foliage during the summer months. Below this upper tier of 

 trees are a number of smaller trees and shrubs which can thrive 

 in the shade of the larger trees. Among these are the flowering 

 dogwood (Cornus florida), red-bud (Cercis Canadensis), witch 

 hazel (Hamamelis Yirginica), species of Viburnum, Euonymus, 

 Azalea, and others. In more open localities, as about the margin 

 of the forest, or in clearings, are many species of thorns (Cratae- 

 gus) a genus which is extraordinarily developed in eastern America. 



Crab-apples, wild plums and cherries, roses, spiraea, brambles, 

 currants and goose-berries, honeysuckle, sumac of several species, 

 are a few of the shrubs wide-spread throughout the whole area. 



This magnificent mixed forest may be seen in great perfection 

 in the southern Appalachian region. The variety of trees is very 

 great, and the trees are tall and symmetrical. There is a small 

 admixture of conifers, white pine and hemlock being common in 

 places. 



A feature of this region is the remarkable development of showy 

 Ericaceae. Even as far north as New England, the beautiful 

 mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is common, and in its southern 

 range it may become a small tree. The great rhododendron (R. 

 maximum), also reaches New England, but is much more abundant 

 further south. Few floral displays can equal the North Carolina 

 mountains in May and June, when the thickets of laurel are 

 covered with rosy bloom, and the flame-azalea lights up the moun- 

 tain side with masses of orange and crimson. The big rhododen- 

 dron is very common, and on the higher mountains are extensive 

 thickets of the splendid purple R. Catawbiense, a gorgeous sight 

 when in flower. Another characteristic member of the same family 

 is the sorrel tree (Oxydendron). 



The young foliage of the deciduous forest exhibits a great variety 

 of color. The unfolding oak leaves show exquisite tints of pink, 

 gold and pale green, contrasting with the vivid red of the scarlet 

 maple, and bright green of the tulip-tree. The effect is as varied 

 and beautiful, if not so gorgeous, as the tints which make these 



