THE MAGNOLIAS, ETC. 29 



scented, and bloom from May to June. The leaf, 

 scarcely a foot long, is similar to that of the umbrel- 

 la tree, but is conspicuously heart-shaped at the base. 



This tree is 

 found from south- 

 western Virginia 

 southward ; west- 

 ward it extends to 

 the valley of the 

 Pearl River, Mis- 

 sissippi ; and it is 

 seen in cultivation as far 

 north as New York city. 

 Papaw— Custard The papaw, or cus- 

 Apple. tard apple, has a 



Asimina triloba. ^ o • '1 



leaf sunilar m 

 shape to that of Magnolia Umbrel- 

 la, and is another Southern tree 

 which does not attain its normal proportions in the 

 North. In rich soil and a warm climate the tree 

 will grow to a height of 35 feet or more. It is 

 sometimes cultivated, but grows wild from New 

 York southward, and westward to southern Mich- 

 igan and Texas. The best growth is found in the 

 valleys of streams which are tributary to the lower 

 Ohio River. Nearly all parts of the unfortunate 

 tree smell badly, including the flowers, which are 



Papaw. 



