H4 Native Trees of Kentucky 



GINSENG FAMILY flraliaceal. 



This family, composed chiefly of vines, herbs and shrubs, has 

 become prominent through two of its members, English Ivy and 

 Ginseng of commerce. 



One genus, Aralia, comprises the only tree species growing 

 wild in Kentucky. 



Hercules' Club Aralia spinosct. 



Hercules Club, sometimes called Angelica Tree, is a small, 

 slightly spreading tree, having its trunk thickly set with sharp, 

 stout prickles. 



The graceful, palm-like leaves, borne at the summit of the 

 branches, are the largest produced by any tree of this region. 

 Like the Kentucky Coffee Tree, they are twice pinnate ; the oval 

 leaflets on their spiny stems are of moderate size and are often 

 mistaken for the whole leaf. 



Perfect flowers, appearing late in July, are arranged in large, 

 terminal panicles high above the leaves : dark purple fruit, ripen- 

 ing in September, persists in drooping clusters all winter. 



Rapid growth, tropical foliage, persistent, showy fruit and a 

 prickly, club-like trunk make this tree horticulturally popular. 



