LAUREL. 



(Magnolia, Rhododendron, Arbutus, etc.] 



The name Laurel applies locally or botanically to a number 

 of American plants, several of which attain to the dignity of 

 trees. 



The Big Laurel or Magnolia (M. grandiflora) is an orna- 

 mental tree of the highest rank, extensively planted in parks 

 and gardens of American cities as far north as Washington, 

 and also grown in Europe. The wood is suitable for interior 

 finish and is also used for fuel. The California Laurel (Umbel- 

 lularia californica} and the Madrona or Madrona Laurel 

 (Arbutus menziesii) are Pacific coast species of beautiful 

 appearance, the strong, heavy, hard woods of which are of 

 economic importance. Professor Sargent considers * that the 

 former is the most valuable interior or cabinet wood produced 

 by the forests of the Pacific coast. The wood of the Madrona 

 has little or no place in construction, but its charcoal is used 

 in the manufacture of gunpowder. The wood of the Great 

 Laurel or Rose Bay (Rhododendron maximum} has been used 

 ,as boxwood. The gnarled roots of the Mountain Laurel or 

 calico bush (Kalmia latifolia) are used for rustic hanging- 

 baskets, seats, and the like. 



All of the kinds here noted have evergreen foliage. 



* Page 69, " Catalogue Jesup Collection." Sargent. 



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