KEY FOR THE DETERMINATION 



OF THE 



LARGER NORTH CAROLINA FOREST TREES. 



By W. W. Ashe. 



The analytical key given below for the determination of the 

 larger forest trees is based on those characters which are most 

 accessible and can be obtained throughout the greater part of the 

 growing season. A short explanation of some of the terms used 

 is given, wliich may be of some service. 



Opposite leaves are two leaves placed opposite one another, one 

 on either side of the twig. Alternate leaves are leaves not so 

 placed in pairs along the twig. 



The leaf stem is the stalk on which the leaf stands and by which 

 it is fastened to the twig. A simple leaf is one whose leafstem 

 is attached directly to the twig ; a compound leaf, one formed of 

 numerous separate small leaves, or leaflets, which are attached at 

 the end of a common leafstem or along either side of a com- 

 mon leafstem. The leaflets along the leafstem can be arranged 

 opposite each other or alternately. 



A bud is placed on the twig at the bottom of each leafstem. It 

 is generally a small brown prominence or spur formed of over- 

 lapping scales. Those bnds at the end of the twig are larger than 

 those below, and the usual reference is to the end or terminal 

 bud. Buds do not reach their full size and color until about the 

 middle of July, but they can be clearly seen as soon as the leaves 

 and twig are mature in spring. Most buds are placed on the twig 

 just above where the leafstem joins it ; some buds, however, are 

 concealed in a cup hollowed out of the base of the leafstem. It 

 is important to know where the bud is, as compound leaves are 

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