Handbook of Trees of the jSToETi-iEitisr States and Canada. 



i07 



This siiicTular and very interesting tree 

 i;inl,\ attuiii-s a i^ieater heiyht than 30-50 ft., 

 or its trunk a greater tlucl-;ness than 18 in. 

 tu 2 ft., ^\■ith few targe branehes furniiiig a 

 wide-topped head. Xo tree in the American 

 forests equals it in the great size of leaves and 

 flowers, or siiv|iasses it in ornamental value. 

 It inhabits tlie rich soil of sheltered valleys 

 and slopes of the Alleghany Mountains, in 

 company with various Oaks and Hickories, the 

 Sugar staple. Dogwood, Witch Hazel, Chest- 

 nut, etc. 



It seems strange that this beautiful tree is 

 not more extensively planted as an ornamental 

 shade tree, as it is said to be hardy as far 

 north as Massachusetts, and few trees can be 

 found that equal it in ornamental value and 

 tropical effects. Kot alone ai'e its great 

 leaves marvelous, but its pure wdiite flowers 

 \\hen expanded are too large to be covered by 

 the largest dinner plate. Later they are suc- 

 ceeded by its large globose pink cones, hardly 

 less ornamental, especially \vlien opening and 

 dangling on slender threads their conspicuous 

 blight red seeds, iirriliably to induce passing 

 birds to aid in their dissemination. 



The wood is similar in appearance and 

 properties to that of the Cucumber-tree, a 

 cubic foot wdien absolutely dry weighing 33.00 

 lbs. 



Leaves deciduous, 20-.'^.0 in. long, obovatc or 

 oblong, narrowed and cordate at base, acute or 

 rounded at ape.x. bright green and glabrous above, 

 white-pubescent beneath. Floims open i>e]l- 

 shaped. white ndth purple spot at base, fragrant. 

 Friii-t snbglobose, pubescent. 



