92 Native Trees of Kentucky 



a. Wild Black Cherry Prunus serotina. 



The Black or Cabinet Cherry is found scattered over the State, 

 but because of its great commercial value much of the merchant- 

 able size has been cut. 



The wood, when highly polished, competes with Mahogany 

 and Rosewood for cabinet work, fine furniture and interior finish. 



The bark yields an important drug and the fruit is gathered 

 as flavoring for cordials and brandies. 



The flowers are perfect, small and white, borne in pendent 

 racemes three to four inches long. 



Tree large, with spreading drooping branches. 



Bark rough, peeling on old trunks, smooth, satiny, with white 

 horizontal markings on new twigs ; bitter. 



Leaves alternate, simple, finely toothed, narrow, tapering, 

 bitter. 



Fruit berry with shiny, black skin and juicy, bitter pulp. 



b. irild Yellow Plum Prunus americana. 



The Wild Yellow or Red I Mum is one of the stone-fruit trees 

 common over the State. 



Commercially, the strong, hard wood has not found a prom- 

 inent place, but the tree has served the horticulturist as stock for 

 many cultivated varieties. 



As an ornamental tree, it is desirable for its attractive form 

 and foliage, its profusion of pure, white, fragrant flowers and 

 showy fruit. The wild fruit is locally used for jellies and pre- 

 serves. 



Tree small, with spreading symmetrical top, numerous 

 branches armed with sharp spurs. 



Bark dark gray, peeling in thin plates. 



Leaves alternate, simple, oval, toothed, taper pointed. 



Fruit bright red plum, with thick, tough skin, acid, juicy 

 stone flattened on one edge. 



