206 A NATURALIST IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION 



lance-shaped with the broad end toward the apex. The flower 

 is quite conspicuous, an inch or two across, dull purple, with 



FIG. 252. Climax beech-maple forest showing stratification 



the parts in threes. The hop hornbeam and water beech have 

 leaves much like elm leaves in general form. The former 

 (Fig. 257) has fruits somewhat similar to 

 hops. The bark of the tree is narrowly 

 ridged and shreds off in narrow strips. 

 The latter (Fig. 137) has a smooth trunk 

 that is fluted like a Corinthian column. 

 Witchhazel (Fig. 255) can usually be recog- 

 nized by its fruits that remain on the shrub 

 nearly the year around. The dogwood 

 (Fig. 254) is a small tree conspicuous when 

 in bloom, for the blossom cluster is sub- 

 tended by four conspicuous white bracts. 

 The redbud (Fig. ,58) is also a low tree. 

 Clusters of red pea-shaped blossoms come charu 



