n6 Native Trees of Kentucky 



a. Tupelo Gum Nyssa aqnatica. 



The Cotton Gum. or Tupelo Gum, is found in swamp lands 

 of the western part of the State, associated with Cypress, Sweet 

 Gum and Swamp White Oak. 



Due probably to its geological lineage, and the ancient habits 

 of its race, the living tree is practically free from natural defects. 



The wood is close-grained, white in color, with often a trace 

 of yellow. It is a satisfactory wood for planing, because it is free 

 from grit. but. owing to the irregular character of the woody 

 fiber, great difficulty is found in splitting it. The twisted grain 

 of Tupelo Gum makes it a superior wood for heavy grade 

 flooring in warehouses, factories, skating rinks and interior car 

 works. Although a new product of American trade, it is being 

 extensively used for interior finish, mouldings and laths, for 

 wooden conduits and pump stock. In this country and in foreign 

 markets, it is sold as "Bay Poplar." 



Flowers are of two kinds : staminate in dense clusters, pistil- 

 late solit~-y. 



Tree a typical swamp variety, with tall, large, unbroken 

 trunk, short, horizontal branches and broad base. 



Bark rough, dark gray ; young twigs downy. 



Leaves alternate, simple, sharp-pointed, covered in early 

 spring with cottony down. 



Fruit berry-like, large, deep purple on slender drooping 

 stems. 



