ii2 Native Trees of Kentucky 



BUCKTHORN FAMILY Rbamnaceae. 



This widely distributed family is of considerable economic 

 importance, because of its contributions to medicine. In Ken- 

 tucky, it is represented by one genus, Rhamnus, with one species. 



Yellow Buckthorn Rhamnus caroliniana. 



The Yellow Buckthorn, often called Indian Cherry, grows as 

 scattered undergrowth in rich bottom lands and on limestone 

 slopes bordering streams. It was at one time found in company 

 with the Hop Tree, along old bluffs of the Ohio River, near 

 Louisville. 



Its bris'ht, s'reen foliage and attractive berries make it an 



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ornamental plant for large shrubbery borders. 



The small, perfect, greenish white flowers are borne in clus- 

 ters in the axils of the leaves. 



Tree small, slender, with spreading top. 



Bark dark gray, often spotted with black. 



Leares simple, alternate, elliptical. 2 to 6 inches long, slight- 

 ly serrate. 



Fruit berrv-like, black and sweet when ripe in early autumn. 



