168 



of the branchlets develop one or more corky ridges running lengthwise 

 of the branchlets, or in some cases only corky excrescences; leaves 

 simple, alternate, long-petioled, orbicular in outline, cleft into 5 

 wedge-shaped lobes, rarely 7 lobes, average blades 5-12 cm. long, trun- 

 cate or cordate at the base, margins finely serrate, hairy on both 

 surfaces on unfolding, soon becoming glabrous above, and remaining 

 more or less hairy beneath especially in the axils of the veins, at matur- 

 ity turning to a dull or brilliant red; flowers in heads, expanding in 

 April or May; fruit a globular, horny aggregate of carpels, 3-4 cm. in 

 diameter including the horns; wood heavy, hard, not strong, close- 

 grained, inclined to shrink and warp in seasoning, takes a good polish, 

 heart wood a rich brown which can be finished to imitate walnut or 

 mahogany. 



Distribution. Connecticut, southern Ohio to Missouri, south to 

 Florida and west to Texas, and in the mountains in Mexico south to 

 Guatemala. In Indiana it is confined to wet woods in the southern 

 half of the State. The most northern records are from Franklin, Shelby, 

 Putnam and Parke Counties. Wherever it is found it is usually a fre- 

 quent to a common or very common tree. It is most frequently 

 associated with the beech, but in the very wet woods it is found with pin 

 oak, red birch, cow oak and white elm. 



Remarks. This species grows rapidly; is somewhat hard to trans- 

 plant; grows straight and tall with few side branches, and adapts itself 

 to a wet, compact soil. In the "flats" of southern Indiana where it is 

 associated with pin oak, red birch and beech, it is to be preferred for 

 forest planting to these or any other species that could be grown in 

 the "flats." It is practically free from all injurious insects. Sweet 

 gum should be one of the principal species in wet places of the wood- 

 lots of southern Indiana. 



This species is one of the best for ornamental planting in all parts 

 of the State where it is hardy. It is doubtful if it is wise to use it in 

 the northern part of the State. Several trees in the northern part of 

 the State are known to be quite hardy, but there are reports that it 

 sometimes winter-kills. It can also be recommended for roadside and 

 street planting. 



PLATANACEAE. THE PLANE TREE FAMILY. 

 PLATANUS. THE PLANE TREE. 



Platanus occidentalis Linnaeus. SYCAMORE. Plate 71. The 

 largest tree of the State; bark thin, smooth, on age separating into 

 thin plates and exfoliating, base of the trunks of very old trees some- 



