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>F Tkeks of the Xoi;Tni':Rx States axd Canada. 131 



The Black Alder is a naturalized tree found 

 in various localities in tlie Atlantic states, 

 particularly in southern Xeu' York and New 

 Jersey. In its native home it is generalh' dis- 

 tributed over Europe, western Asia and 

 northern Africa in moist localities, and at- 

 tains a height of from 50 to 71) ft. with a 

 symmetrical pyramidal or wlien old rounded 

 top, and with trunk 1-2 ft. in diameter. Being 

 a vigorous growing tree of desirable fjualitie.^ 

 for ornamental jjlanting, particularly on low 

 grounds, it was brought to America and 

 planted for ornamental purposes, and being 

 possessed of a hardy adaptable constitution it 

 seeds freely and grows spontaneously in suit- 

 able localities. Few introduced trees of the 

 ornamental value of this are so well suited 

 to planting in very wet localities. Those 

 are mainly Willows and Po|ilars and among 

 them the straight smooth trunks of the Black 

 Alder, with their symmetrical tops of hanrl- 

 some foliage, have a very pleasing effect. They 

 are not, however, very long-lived trees with us, 

 and individuals are not found as large as those 

 in their native land. 



In Europe the tree is of considerable com- 

 mercial importance, as its soft straight- 

 grained wood is easily worked and valuable 

 in turnery, for wooden-ware, wooden-shoes, 

 etc.. and for carving. It is valued, too, for 

 water pipes, pumps, piles, etc., and is largely 

 used for charcoal and fuel. The bark and 

 fruit are used in tanning leather and a yello.v 

 dye is made from the bark and leaves. The 

 bark is also used in medicine, having astringent 

 and alterative jjroperties. 



Lraics orbicular to iibovate, 2-.''^ in. long, mostly 

 obtuse at base and refuse or rounded at aprx. 

 irregularly serrate-denlate, distinctly glutmous -.n 

 first, glabi-ous dull gro(>n above, green and glabrous 

 or pnhpscent on the veins beneath. Floicrrs ap- 

 ppar in earlv spring before the leaves: stammalc 

 amcnts 2-:! in. and the pistillate about v., m. lorn.'. 

 Fruit: strobile olilong-ovoid. I'j-'a iu. long, witli 

 wingless seeds. 



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