10 The Shrubs of North Carolina 



unsightly leaves, which are 4 to 5 inches long and round-toothed 

 on the edges. But in Winter the numerous clusters of light- 

 purplish berries which encircle the summit of the branches at 

 regular intervals for 12 or 18 inches, give it a very striking and 

 pleasing appearance. These berries are juicy, slightly aromatic 

 and sweetish, and are sometimes eaten, but are probably not very 

 wholesome. 



Mistletoe. (Phoradendron flavescens, Nutt.) — Well known 

 throughout the State, and needing no description. With us it 

 seems to prefer the Oaks and Locust, but at the North and West, 

 Elms and Hickories. Deer are very fond of this plant. This is 

 a different plant from the European Mistletoe, the aureus ramus 

 of Virgil. 



1. High Blackberry. (Rubus villosus, Ait.) — This is our 

 common Blackberry of the swamps and fallow lands, 4 to 10 feet 

 high, and the leaves slightly hairy or smooth, and green on both 

 sides. It is found throughout the State. The root of this is 

 slightly astringent, and is a popular remedy for diarrhoea. 



2. Low Blackberry. (R. cuneifolius, Pursh.) — Common in 

 old fields and by road sides in the Lower and Middle Districts, 

 2 to 4 feet high, the leaves white and downy beneath. Smaller in 

 all parts than No. 1, the berries generally sweeter. 



3. Dewberry. (R. trivialis, Michx.) — Generally well known 

 under this name, but most abundant in the Middle District. This 

 is a trailing species with smooth green leaves, growing mostly in 

 dry soils, and with larger, sweeter fruit than the preceding. 



4. Swamp Blackberry. (R. hispidus, Linn.) — A prostrate 

 species like the preceding, found in the mountain swamps, but 

 every way more delicate, with thinner leaves, and with weak 

 prickles that hardly deserve the name. Fruit black, small and 

 sour. 



5. Black or Purple Raspberry. (R. occidentals, Linn.) — 

 Grows on the borders of woods and in thickets through the 

 Middle District. The fruit is very pleasant but rather dry, and 

 much inferior to the cultivated species. 



6. Flowering Raspberry. (R. odoratus, Linn.) — Found only 

 in the mountains along rivulets and in cool, shaded ravines. This 

 is without prickles, but is covered with clammy hairs, is 4 to 5 

 feet high, and has leaves 6 to 7 inches long, divided into about 5 

 short segments. The flowers are quite ornamental, about 2 inches 

 broad and looking like a small single Rose. The fruit is broad, 

 red and dry, but pleasant flavored. 



