WEEDS AND USEFUL PLANTS. 



112 US 



1. C. flo'rida, L. Arborescent ; leaves ovate-oblong, acuminate ; in- 

 volucre large, — the petaloid leaves ob cordate or with a callous notch at 

 apex ; drupes oval. 



Flowering Cornus. Dogwood. Common Dogwood. 



Stemlb-20 (sometimes 30-40) feet high, and 3-4 to 6-8 inches in diameter, much 

 branched, — the young branches opposite or often verticillate in fours. Leaves 3-5 inches 

 long, pilose with short appressod hairs, glaucous beneath. Flowers in terminal capitate 

 clusters ; involucre about 3 inches in diameter, — the leaves in opposite pairs, white or 

 sometimes tinged with purple. Corolla greenish yellow. Drupe bright red when 

 mature. 



Woodlands : Canada to Louisiana. Fl. May. Fr. October. 



Obs. The wood of this small tree is very close-grained and firm, and 

 is valuable for many purposes in mechanics. Cabinet-makers some- 

 times employ it in the manufacture of small articles of furniture, — in 

 which my friend Dr. Elwyn assures me it is very beautiful. The wood- 

 man selects it as the best material for wooden wedges. The young, 

 straight stems make good hoops for the cooper ; and the slender verti- 



FiG. 112. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), the head of minute flowers, surrounded 

 by a conspicuous involucre. 113. A sepai-ate flower, enlarged. 



