258 



THE STUDY OF TREES. 



THE FLOWERS OF SOME COMMON TREES. 



In the following list the trees are given in approximate 

 order of flowering. The notes refer chiefly to the flowers 

 and their mode of pollination. 



Hazel (Corylus avellana). Male and female catkins 

 formed in the autumn both on the same plant, the female 

 protected by the bud- scales through winter ; they are mature 

 early in spring (February or March) before the leaves 



appear. Female cat- 

 kins much smaller 

 than male ; stigmas 

 crimson, spreading. 

 Wind - pollinated. 

 Fruit a nut, en- 

 sheathed in the leath- 

 ery bracts. Leaves 

 alternate, broadly 

 ovate and pointed, ser- 



-'-STIGMA 



rate. Bark 

 smooth. 



brown, 



SCALE SCARS 

 OF A BUD 



Fig. 131. Male and female inflorescences of 

 the Hazel. 



VEGETATIVE 

 BUD 



Alder (Alnus gluti- 

 nosa). Male and fe- 

 male catkins formed 

 in the autumn both 

 on the same plant; 

 ripen early in spring 

 before the leaves. Fe- 

 male catkins globose, 



become woody, persisting after the seed is shed. Wind- 

 pollinated. Leaves obovate, serrate without tip, sticky when 

 young. Bark rough, fissured. Buds flattened on one 

 side ruddy brown. Habitat by streams. Seeds fre- 

 quently distributed by water. 



Wych Elm (Ulmus montanaj. Flowers bisexual, sepals 

 or petals 4 or 5, stamens 4 or 5, in clusters ; ripen early in 



