Handbook of Trees of the JSTortjiehn States and Can. 



207 



This sinjriilar and very intercstinfr tree 

 raifly altiiiiis a gioator lici^lit Hum ^0-50 ft., 

 or its trunk a greater thickness tlian 18 in. 

 to 2 ft., with few larjfe branches furniinj^ a 

 wide-topped head. Xu tree in tlie American 

 forests equals it in the yicat sizo of leaves and 

 (lowers, or sur|)asses it in ornamental value. 

 It inhabits the rich soil of sheltered valleys 

 and .slopes of the Alle<ihany Mountains, in 

 company with various Oaks and Hickories, the 

 Sugar Maple, Dogwood, Witch Hazel, Chest- 

 nut, etc. 



It seems strange that this beautiful tree is 

 not more extensively planted as an ornamental 

 shade tree, as it is said to be hardy as far 

 north as Massachusetts, and few trees can be 

 fouiul that equal it in ornamental value and 

 tropical effects. Not alone are its great 

 leaves marvelous, but its pure white flowers 

 when expanded are too large to be covered by 

 the largest dinner plate. Later they are suc- 

 ceeded by its large globose pink cones, hardly 

 less ornamental, especially when opening and 

 dangling on slender threads their conspicuous 

 bright red seeds, probably to iiuluce passing 

 birds to aid in their dissemination. 



The wood is similar in appearance and 

 properties to that of the Cucumber-tree, a 

 cubic foot when absolutely dry weigliing .33.09 

 lh>. 



Lcarcs deciduous, 20-30 in. long, ol)ovate or 

 oblong, narrowed and cordate at base, acute or 

 ronnded at ape.x, bright green and glabrous above, 

 white-pubescent beneath. FInirrrx opon bell- 

 shnped. white with pni-ple spot at base, fragrant. 

 Fruit siibglobose, piil)es(('nt. 



