Vermont Shrubs and Woody Vines 



85 



Spice Bush, x V2. 



of the leaves. The leaves are alternate, 

 two to five inches long, with entire mar- 

 gin-s, paler beneath, smooth or rarely 

 downy. The botanical name was sug- 

 gested by the strong aromatic odor re- 

 sembling gum-benzoin, which resides in all 

 parts of the plant. This shrub is worthy 

 of ornamental planting, doing best in 

 shaded situations. An infusion of the 

 bark is sometimes used as a tonic and stim- 

 ulant, especially in intermittent fevers and 

 the leaves served the southerners as a sub- 

 stitute for tea during the civil war. In 

 revolutionary times the powdered fruits 

 were used in place of allspice. 



SAXIFRAGE FAMILY. SAXIFRAGACEAE 



This family includes only the one genus of woody plants, 

 the others being the herbaceous saxifrages and mitreworts. 



CURRANTS AND GOOSEBERRIES 



Vermont has three native species each of the currant and 

 of the gooseberry. They all have leaves so similar as to sug- 

 gest the family relationship : they are simple, palmately veined 

 and lobed and usually borne in small clusters. The fruit also is 

 characteristic. Where the species is unknown the following 

 key will aid in its recognition : 



1. Stems usually bearing thorns at the base of leaf stalks or leaf 

 clusters and often with scattered bristly prickles; berries 

 prickly or smooth. (Gooseberries) 2 



1. Stems without thorns or prickles. (Currants) 4 



2. Flowers several (a raceme) on a nodding stem, twigs and fruit 



bristly Swamp gooseberry. 



