12 Trees with Simple Leaves. [Ai 



Genus CERCIS, L. (Red Bud.) 



From a Greek word meaning "shuttle," because of the shuttle-shaped pod. 



Fig. 5. Red Bud, Judas Tree. C. Canadensis, L. 

 Leaves, SIMPLE ; ALTERNATE ; EDGE ENTIRE. 

 Outline, round heart-shape. Apex, tapering and rather 



blunt, sometimes with a short bristle. Base, heart 



shape. 

 Leaf-stem, smooth and swollen at each end into a soft of 



knob. 

 Leaf, usually about four to five inches long and wide ; rather 



thin ; smooth above and below ; with seven prominent 



ribs radiating from the end of the leaf-stem. 

 Flowers, reddish, acid, usually abundant in small clusters 



along the branches ; appearing before the leaves. 



March to May. 

 Fruit, a small, many-seeded, flat pod, winged along the 



seed-bearing seam. Seeds, reverse egg-shape. 

 Found, in rich soil, Western Pennsylvania, westward and 



southward. Common in cultivation. 

 A small and fine ornamental tree, with long, flat-leaved 

 branches. 



The name "Judas tree" is traditional. " This is the 

 tree whereon Judas did hang himself, and not the elder 

 tree, as it is said." 



Genus NYSSA, L. (Sour Gum.) 



From the name of a water nymph, because of the location of the original species. 



Fig. 6. Sour Gum, Black Gum, Pepperidge, Tupelo. N. 



sylvatica, Marsh. 



Leaves, SIMPLE ; ALTERNATE ; EDGE ENTIRE. 



Outline, oval or reverse egg-shape. Apex, pointed. 



Base, pointed. 

 Leaf-stem, slightly hairy when young. 



