157 
thrifty trees is almost white which gave rise to the name of “white 
poplar” and “hickory poplar” to distinguish it from the trees of 
slower growth with a greater percentage of heart wood. It is used 
for lumber, siding, shelving and excelsior. ‘The inner bark is used 
in medicine as a stimulant and tonic. 
Horticultural value. It grows rapidly, tall and with short side 
branches. Its beautiful foliage, the large, fragrant flowers and the 
fruit on the leafless branches in winter recommend it for shade tree 
purposes and it is being used more each year for this purpose. It 
is practically free from insects and fungous diseases. Experiments 
in growing this tree indicate that it is one of the best trees for re- 
inforcing woodlots and other forest planting. It is propagated by 
planting seedlings, and little difficulty will be experienced if seed- 
lings about .5 m. (18 inches) high are planted. 
ANONACEZ. Tue Custarp Appie Famity. 
ASIMINA. Tue Pawpaw. 
Asimina triloba (Linnzeus) Dunal. Pawpaw. YELLOw Pawpaw. 
Wuite Pawpaw. Recently called the Hoosier banana. Plate 72. 
Bark smooth, somewhat ridged on very old trees; branchlets red- 
dish-brown, hairy, becoming smooth; buds sharp-pointed, covered 
with hairs; leaves obovate, some narrowly so, sharp-pointed, wedge- 
shaped at base, 1-3 dm. (4-12 inches) long, green above, paler be- 
neath, hairy when expanding, soon glabrous except on the veins 
beneath; petioles 5-10 mm. (14-'% inch) long; flowers appear be- 
fore or with the leaves, drooping; sepals 3, green; petals 6, maroon 
color; flowering season March or April; fruit begins to ripen about 
September Ist., 7-13 cm. (214-5 inches) long, light green, pulp 
white or yellow, with a few large, dark brown, flattened seeds. 
Distribution. Southern Ontario east to eastern Pennsylvania, 
south to the Gulf States and west to eastern Nebraska, Kansas 
and Texas. Found in all parts of Indiana, though most frequently 
in the southern part. It is usually found in colonies in moist rich 
soil and most frequently associated with the beech and sugar maple. 
A shrub or tree, sometimes attaining a height of 15 m. (48 feet) 
and a diameter of 2 dm. (8 inches). Prof. Stanley Coulter says: 
“Two forms, not separated botanically are associated in our area. 
They differ in time of flowering, in size, shape, color and flavor of 
the fruit, in leaf shape, venation and odor and in color of the bark. 
They are of constant popular recognition and are probably sepa- 
rate species, never seeming to intergrade.”’ (Report of the Indiana 
State Geologist, 1899, page 745.) 
