TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA 87 



used on lawns. Dates of flowering : March 24, 1903 ; 

 April 3, 1908; April 6, 1909 ; March 30, 1910; 

 April 3, 1913; April 20, 1915; April 14, 1916. 



142. Cornus alternifolia L. Blue Dogwood. 



A low tree, in this state found only near streams in 

 the mountains. It differs from the more common 

 Dogwood in that the leaves are borne alternately along 

 the twig as a rule and sometimes have a few obscure, 

 low rounded teeth, though usually with the edges en- 

 tire ; also there are no conspicuous bracts around the 

 small creamy white flowers that are borne in loose 

 clusters ; and the berries are blue. 



143. Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. Black Gum, Sour Gum. 



A tree common over the whole state, growing both 

 in swamps and on the dry hills. Usually a narrow 

 cylindrical tree with short branches; bark deeply 

 furrowed; leaves ovate or obovate, 2-6 inches long, 

 smooth and shining when mature, turning bright 

 red in late summer or early fall; fruits usually 

 three on a common stem, dark blue, about % inch 

 long, sour and bitter, the stone indistinctly ribbed. 

 The robins are very fond of the fruits. Dates of 

 flowering: April 19, 1903; April 27, 1909; April 

 14, 1910; April 26, 1916. Examples: trees back 

 of the Chemistry building. 



144. Nyssa biflora Walt. Water Gum, Sour Gum, 



Black Gum. 



A small or good sized tree on the edges of ponds 



