DESCRIPTION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
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Ptelea trifoliata, L. Hop-tree. Shrubby Trefoil. Medium 
size or sometimes tall shrub with 3-foliolate leaves and 
greenish white small flowers, in compound terminal cymes, 
leaflets ovate, pointed, downy when young. The polygamous 
flowers have a 4-5 parted calyx, 4-5 petals, and in the male 
flowers as many stamens ; in the female flowers the 2 or 3- 
celled ovary is placed on a short stalk. The fruit is turgid 
in the center, and surrounded by a broad membranaceous 
wing, like that of an elm. The fruits are bitter and aromatic, 
and have been used as a substitute for hops. Common in 
calcareous soils in oak and cedar barrens. FI. May-June. 
The bark. 
SIMARUBACEiE. (Simaruba Family.) 
Ailanthus glandulosa, Desf. Tree of Heaven. Imported from 
China and planted as a shade-tree, but now largely spreading 
over the whole country. It is a handsome tree and makes 
a rapid growth. Its loliage is not attacked by insects, but 
serves as food for a species of silk-worm. It is dioecious. 
The pollen and flowerbuds of the male tree diffuse a pene- 
trating unpleasant odor, and therefore should not be planted 
near dwellings. The female tree is not guilty of such bad 
demeanor, and its large clusters of seeds, resembling the 
fruit of the hop-tree and produced in abundance, make it 
look very attractive in late summer and autumn. The leaves 
are very long, pinnate, with many leaflets. The bark is 
used and called Chinese Sumach Bark. 
MELIACEiE. (Melia Family.) 
Melia Azedarach, L. Pride of India. Chinaberry Tree. Car- 
ried from India to America, and thriving well in the Southern 
States. It is from 20-50° high, with 2-pinnate leaves, and 
large bunches of lilac flowers emitting an agreeable perfume. 
The bark of the root is used as an anthelmintic. 
ILICINEiE. (Holly Family.) 
Ilex opaca, Ait. American Holly. Tree 15-50° high, of 
