FLOWERING PLANTS AND FERNS OF INDIANA. 699 



H. minima (Marsh.) Britton. Bitter-nut. Swamp Hickory. 

 ( 'arya amara Nutt.) 



Distributed sparingly in various parts of the State, but chiefly in 

 the northern portions. Generally found on the borders of streams 

 and swamps. A tree from sixty to eighty feet high, with a trunk 

 diameter of from two to three feet. 



The wood is heavy and tough, but checks in drying. Used ex- 

 tensively for hoops, ox yokes, etc., and locally for wheel stocks. 



Flowers in May and June; nuts ripen in September and October. 



Range as indicated. 



H. ovata (Mill.) Britton. Shell-bark or Shag-bark Hickory. 



(Carya alba Nutt.) 



Well distributed throughout the State and in most regions in 

 great abundance. It is found in its best development in rich soils, 

 though often growing on sandy ridges. A large tree ranging from 

 80 to 100 feet in height, though occasionally reaching 125 to 150 

 feet, with a trunk diameter of from three to five feet. 



The wood is very hard and strong, tough and flexible, the more 

 valuable portion being the nearly white sap-wood. It is used in the 

 manufacture of agricultural implements, carriages, ax handles, 

 baskets, etc. Large quantities are used locally for wheel stock! 

 The nuts form a valuable commercial product. 



Flowers in May; nuts ripen in September and October. 



Range general. 



H. laciniosa (Michx. f.) Sarg. Big Shell-bark. King Nut. 

 (Carya sulcata Nutt.) 



This species is definitely reported from 36 counties, and is abund- 

 ant in almost all of the southern counties. Dr. Ridgway reports it 

 as " quite as abundant as H. ovata in lower Wabash district." This 

 general distribution is of peculiar interest, since Professor Sargent, 

 in Vol. IX, Tenth Census, p. 133, reports it as "Rare and local."' 

 It is found in moist, rich, usually alluvial soils. A tree from 80 to 

 100 feet in height, with a trunk diameter of from two to four feet. 



The wood is of the same general character as that of H. ovata 

 and is used for the same purposes. 



Flowers in May; nuts ripen in September and October. 



Distribution general. 



H. alba (L.) Britton. Mocker-nut. White-heart Hickory. 



(Carya tomentosa Nutt.) 

 Common in the more southern counties of the State. Less fre- 

 quent northward. Generally found in rich uplands, less commonly 



