Vermont Shrubs and Woody Vines 



135 



BUCKTHORN FAMILY. RHAMNACEAE 



The buckthorn proper is a European tree or large shrub 

 which is frequently planted and has sometimes escaped to Ver- 

 mont waysides and so was described in "Trees of Vermont." A 

 native buckthorn and two related shrubs further represent the 

 family in our territory. 



aluer-LEavEd buckthorn, • 

 Rliamus alnifolia L'Her. 



The native buckthorn occurs 

 rather frequently in cold swamps. 

 It is a low shrub, reaching four or 

 five feet in height and tending to 

 grow in clumps. The leaf-form as 

 shown in the sketch resembles 

 that of the alder, whence its name. 

 The flowers appear with the leaves 

 in early spring, but are small and 

 greenish, therefore scarcely notice- 

 able. The fruit consists of berries 

 about the size of peas, borne in 

 clusters each on a stem about one-half inch long. These mature 

 in midsummer when they become black and pulpy, more tempt- 

 ing in appearance than in flavor. No use has been made of this 

 plant, although its European relatives yield both medicines and 

 dvcs. 



Aldek-leaved Buckthorn, X %. 



CEANOTHUS 



There are two species of Ceanothiis in Vermont each of some 

 interest, distinguishable as follows : 

 Branches and underside of leaves more or less downy, flowering in 



July, a common shrub of dry woodlands. .. .New Jersey tea. 

 Branches and leaves smooth or nearly so, flowering in May, a rare 



shrub of the sandy bluffs of Lake Champlain. Smaller red root. 



