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West Virginia Trees

Chapter 21: ACERACEAE—THE MAPLE FAMILY
By A. B. Brooks
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About This Book

A practical field guide to the native and introduced trees of West Virginia, providing keys based mainly on leaves and fruits, concise family and species descriptions, and detailed line drawings for about 101 native species. It organizes trees by botanical families, gives brief flower notes, a glossary of terms, and suggestions for identifying specimens; occasional introduced species and shrubs are noted. The bulletin emphasizes simplicity for non-specialists, offers measurements and habit descriptions for each species, and includes administrative prefatory material. Its aim is to aid lay readers and students in tree identification and to encourage local interest in forestry.

PINACEAE—THE PINE FAMILY

The Pine family comprises nearly 300 species belonging to 34 genera, distributed principally in temperate regions throughout the world. This family is of great economic importance, supplying a larger quantity of lumber than any other family as well as enormous amounts of tannin, turpentine, resin, tar and pitch. Many of its members also are highly useful for ornamental purposes.

The leaves of the trees and shrubs belonging to the Pine family are needle-shaped, awl-shaped, or scale-like, and are usually persistent for more than one year, the American Larch or Tamarack being the only exception to this rule in West Virginia. The seeds are borne either in true cones, or in berry-like fruits such as are produced on the cedars.

The following are the genera of Pinaceae represented in West Virginia:

Pinus.—Of the 34 species of pines native to North America only 5 are found in West Virginia. These are described and illustrated on following pages. Besides the native pines several introduced species are planted on lawns and in parks. The most common of the exotics are Red Pine (Pinus resinosa, Ait.) and Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris, L.), the former having smooth cones about 2 inches long and leaves 4-6 inches long, two in a bundle, and the latter having cones 1½-2½ inches long, and leaves 1½-3½ inches long, two in a bundle.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PINUS

  • Leaves 5 in a cluster; cones smooth, 4-10 inches long
  • P. strobus, p. 29.
  • Leaves fewer than 5 in a cluster; cones less than 4 inches long.
  • Leaves 3 in a cluster; cones with prickles
  • P. rigida, p. 31.
  • Leaves 2 in a cluster.
  • Leaves stiff, sharp-pointed, 2-4 inches long; cones 2-4 inches long with very thick sharp spines
  • P. pungens, p. 33.
  • Leaves twisted 1½-3½ inches long; cones 2-3 inches long; scales terminated with prickles
  • P. virginiana, p. 37.
  • Leaves slender, not twisted, 3-4 inches long, often 3 in a cluster, especially near the ends of twigs
  • P. echinata, p. 35.

Larix, (page 39).—There are 10 known species of Larches found principally in the colder regions of the northern hemisphere. Three of these are indigenous to North America and one extends as far south as the northern part of West Virginia. Unlike most of the members of the Pine family the Larches shed their leaves each fall. The European Larch (Larix decidua, Mill.) is frequently planted for ornamental purposes. It can be distinguished from the native species by its much larger cones.

Picea, (page 41).—Eight of the 18 or 20 known species of Spruces are native to North America and one species is found in West Virginia. The 2 introduced Spruces most commonly planted are Norway Spruce (Picea Abies, (L.) Karst.) and Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens, Engl.). The Norway Spruce can be distinguished from our native species by its much larger cones, and the Colorado Blue Spruce by its blue-green foliage.

Tsuga, (page 43).—This genus comprises 8 species, 4 of which grow in Asia and 4 in North America. One of the 2 Eastern Hemlocks is common in West Virginia, the other (Tsuga caroliniana, Engl.) grows from the mountains of Virginia south to Georgia.

Abies, (page 45).—The 25 known species of Firs are found principally in cold and temperate regions. Of the 10 species in North America only 2 are found east of the Rocky Mountains and 1 in West Virginia. The other Eastern Fir is Abies balsamea, (L.) Mill, which does not extend southward into this State.

Thuja, (page 47).—Four species of Arbor Vitae are known, 2 of which are native to North America, one in the West and the other in the East. The limited distribution in West Virginia of the latter is given on the page describing this species.

Juniperus, (page 49).—This is a large genus comprising 40 trees and shrubs. Of these, 16 species are found in North America. Red Cedar, described in this bulletin, is common in West Virginia and Juniperus communis, (L.) has been reported from Wood, Mineral and Fayette counties.

Other members of the Pine family which may be seen occasionally planted on lawns in West Virginia are the following:

White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides, (L.) B.S.P.)

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum, Rich.)

Ginkgo Tree (Ginkgo biloba, (L.)) and several other species and varieties of Junipers, Pines, Spruces, and Yews.

SALICACEAE—THE WILLOW FAMILY

The Willow family, which includes also the Poplars, comprises about 200 species, a large proportion of which are distributed in temperate and arctic zones. Several shrubby species extend far into the arctic regions.

On the whole this family is not important commercially, but with the disappearance of the more valuable kinds of trees the rapid-growing and easily-propagated Willows and Poplars are receiving more attention.

The 2 genera belonging to this family are given below:

Salix, (page 51).—This genus comprises no fewer than 175 known species, 100 of which are native to North America. The following species are reported from West Virginia: S. nigra, Marsh., S. amygdaloides, Aud., S. discolor, Muhl., S. humilis, Marsh., S. cericea, Marsh. and S. cordata, Muhl. Doubtless several other species occur in the State. The task of determining the different species of Willows is one for the specialist who has devoted much time to their study. For this reason only one species, the common Black Willow of our stream banks, is described and illustrated in this bulletin. The most common introduced Willows are the well-known Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica, (L.)) and a yellow-twigged variety of the White Willow (Salix alba, var. vitellina, (L.) Koch.).

Populus.—The species of Poplars and Aspens number 27 of which 19 are native to North America and 3 to West Virginia. White Poplar (P. alba, (L.)) and Balm of Gilead (P. candicans, Ait.) are the principal introduced species planted in the State.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF POPULUS

  • Leaves broadly deltoid, acuminate, marginal teeth somewhat incurved; trees of stream banks and extensively planted along streets
  • P. deltoides, p. 57.
  • Leaves ovate to sub-orbicular.
  • Leaves coarsely sinuate-toothed, 3-5 inches long
  • P. grandidentata, p. 55.
  • Leaves finely serrate, less than 3 inches long
  • P. tremuloides, p. 53.

JUGLANDACEAE—THE WALNUT FAMILY

The Walnut family, with its 6 genera and 35 species, is represented in North America by 2 genera (Juglans and Carya) and 19 species. This family is a very important one, contributing much of the costliest and most durable timber as well as large quantities of edible nuts. The wood of Black Walnut is especially adapted to fine cabinet work and that of the Hickories to the manufacture of vehicles, handles, etc., where strength and flexibility are desired.

Juglans.—The 15 species comprising this genus are found principally in the north temperate zone. Five species are native to North America and two are found in West Virginia. The English Walnut (Juglans regia, (L.)) which has been introduced and widely planted in the United States yields the valuable Circassian Walnut woods used in the manufacture of fine furniture as well as the walnuts sold in our markets.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF JUGLANS

  • Leaflets 11-17, often viscid-hairy; pith chocolate-brown; fruit elongated, sticky-hairy
  • J. cinerea, p. 59.
  • Leaflets 13-23, not viscid-hairy; pith cream-colored; fruit globose, not sticky-hairy
  • J. nigra, p. 61.

Carya.—The Hickory species number about 10, all of which are native to that part of North America lying east of the Rock mountains. At least 5 of these are found in West Virginia. Carya microcarpa, Nutt., not described herein is reported from Fayette County.

The Pecan Hickory (Carya illinoencis (Wang.) K. K.), a southern species prized for its nuts, is occasionally planted.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CARYA

  • a. Bark of trunk not deeply furrowed or shaggy; husk of fruit less than ⅛ inch thick.
  • Leaflets usually 5-7, glabrous beneath; the upper 2-2½ inches broad; kernel of nut sweet
  • C. glabra, p. 69.
  • Leaflets usually 7-11, somewhat downy beneath, the upper 1-1½ inches broad; kernel of nut bitter
  • C. cordiformis, p. 71.
  • a. Bark of trunk deeply furrowed or shaggy; husk of fruit more than ⅛ inch thick.
  • Leaflets 5-7, scurfy or pubescent; bark rough but not shaggy; buds densely hairy
  • C. alba, p. 67.
  • Leaflets usually 7; nuts 1¼-2 inches long, pointed at both ends, dull white; bark shaggy
  • C. laciniosa, p. 65.
  • Leaflets usually 5; nuts smaller, rounded or notched at the base, white, thin-shelled; bark shaggy
  • C. ovata, p. 63.

BETULACEAE—THE BIRCH FAMILY

The 6 genera and about 75 species belonging to this family are principally confined to the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere. In North America there are 5 genera and about 30 species, of which the 5 genera and at least 9 species grow in West Virginia. The Common Hazelnut (Corylus americana, Walt.) and the Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus rostrata, Ait.) are both common shrubs of the State. The Smooth Alder (Alnus rugosa, (DuRoi) Spreng.) and the Hoary Alder (Alnus incana, (L.) Moench.) are both to be found, the former abundant along our streams, and the latter rare in upland swamps. Alnus alnobetula (Ehrh.) K K. is also reported from Greenbrier, Fayette, and Randolph counties.

This family produces products of great value. The wood of Birches is used extensively for furniture and interior finish, and for fuel. Black Birch supplies a volatile oil of considerable importance. The wood of some of the Alders is becoming valuable on account of its use in the manufacture of gunpowder, and the fruits of the Hazelnuts bring a good price on the market. The following are our tree genera:

Ostrya, (page 73).—Four species of Hop Hornbeam or Ironwood are known, 2 being found in North America. One of these is limited in its range to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, in Arizona; the other is widely distributed and is common locally in West Virginia.

Carpinus, (page 75).—Eleven species of Hornbeams are native to Asia and Europe and only 1 species is found in North America. This is abundant in most parts of West Virginia.

Betula.—This genus comprises 25 known species of trees and 10 species of shrubs. About 15 of these are native to North America and 3 to West Virginia. Besides our native species the Gray Birch (Betula populifolia, Marsh.) and varieties of White Birch (Betula alba, L.) are often planted for ornamental purposes.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF BETULA

  • Bark of the trunk light-colored with thin layers curling or peeling off.
  • Outer bark yellowish, fruits usually sessile; leaves usually rounded at base; twigs with slight wintergreen taste
  • B. lutea, p. 79.
  • Outer bark reddish-brown, inner bark tinged with red; fruits on slender stalks; leaves usually wedge-shaped at base; not aromatic
  • B. nigra, p. 81.
  • Bark of trunk rough, dark gray, without thin outer layers; bark of twigs with wintergreen taste
  • B. lenta, p. 77.

FAGACEAE—THE BEECH FAMILY

There are 6 genera and about 400 species of trees and shrubs belonging to the Beech family of which 5 genera and about 60 species are native to North America. Fourteen species of Oaks, 2 species of Chestnuts, and 1 species of Beech occur in West Virginia.

This large family is second in importance only to the Pine family and in some respects surpasses it. Nearly all its members, especially the various kinds of oaks, produce wood of superior quality and adapted to a great variety of uses.

Fagus, (page 83).—This genus comprises, in the world, 5 species, only 1 of which is found native in America. The others are Asiatic and European species. The European Beech (Fagus sylvatica, L.), and its varieties having purple leaves, cut leaves or pendent branches are often planted for ornamental purposes.

Castanea, (pp. 85, 87).—Of the 5 or more species of chestnuts belonging to this genus, none is found in the western part of North America and 3 species are native to the eastern part of the United States. Castanea alnifolia, Nutt., is a shrub found in the southern Atlantic states. The European Chestnut (Castanea sativa), the Japanese Chestnut (Castanea Japonica) and the Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima) are all planted in this country for their nuts. The Japanese and Chinese species are more or less resistant to the chestnut bark disease and for this reason they and their hybrids with our native species are likely to receive much attention from nut-growers. The common Chestnut and the Chinquapin, both of which are natives of West Virginia, may be exterminated by the disease mentioned above.

Quercus.—The Oak genus comprises 300 known species in the world. Of these about 55 are indigenous to North America and 14 to West Virginia. The Oaks belong to two classes, namely, those that mature their acorns in one season and those that mature them in two. The West Virginia species are grouped below according to their classes:

White Oak Class:

  • 1.—White Oak (Quercus alba).
  • 2.—Post Oak (Quercus stellata).
  • 3.—Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa).
  • 4.—Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor).
  • 5.—Yellow Oak (Quercus Muhlenbergii).
  • 6.—Chestnut Oak (Quercus Prinus).

Black Oak Class:

  • 1.—Red Oak (Quercus rubra).
  • 2.—Pin Oak (Quercus palustris).
  • 3.—Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea).
  • 4.—Black Oak (Quercus velutina).
  • 5.—Spanish Oak (Quercus falcata).
  • 6.—Scrub Oak (Quercus ilicifolia).
  • 7.—Black Jack Oak (Quercus marilandica).
  • 8.—Laurel Oak (Quercus imbricaria).

The following key will assist in distinguishing the species.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF QUERCUS

  • a. Apex of leaves or their lobes sharp-pointed, usually bristle tipped; acorn maturing at end of second season.
  • b. Leaves entire, not lobed.
  • Leaves often pubescent beneath
  • Q. imbricaria, p. 115.
  • b. Leaves lobed.
  • Leaves very broad toward apex, with shallow lobes, brownish tomentose beneath
  • Q. marilandica, p. 113.
  • Leaves not uniform, lobes usually long and lanceolate, often scythe-shaped
  • Q. falcata, p. 109.
  • Leaves 2-5 inches long, densely white pubescent beneath; tree small, often a shrub
  • Q. ilicifolia, p. 111.
  • Leaves with sinuses extending not over half way to the mid-rib, dull green above; inner bark pinkish; acorn cup saucer-shaped
  • Q. rubra, p. 101.
  • Leaves of upper branches similar in shape to those of Q. rubra but bright green above; those on lower limbs and young trees often with lobes rounded; inner bark yellow; acorn cup top-shaped
  • Q. velutina, p. 107.
  • Leaves with sinuses extending at least ⅔ of the way to mid-rib; acorn cup large and top-shaped
  • Q. coccinea, p. 105.
  • Leaves similar to those of Q. coccinea but with acorn cup small and saucer-shaped; a tree of low grounds with lower branches drooping
  • Q. palustris, p. 103.
  • a. Apex of leaves or their lobes without bristle tips usually rounded; acorns maturing at end of first season.
  • b. Leaves not deeply lobed.
  • Leaves coarsely sinuate-crenate; acorns on stems 1-3 inches long; bark of branches with papery scales turning back
  • Q. bicolor, p. 95.
  • Leaves coarsely crenate-toothed; acorns 1-1½ inches long, glossy, cup deep and thin; bark of trunk deeply furrowed, dark gray or black
  • Q. Prinus, p. 99.
  • Leaves equally and sharply coarse-toothed; acorns less than an inch long; bark of tree not deeply furrowed,
  • light gray, resembling that of White Oak
  • Q. Muhlenbergii, p. 97.
  • b. Leaves deeply lobed.
  • Leaves 6-12 inches long, cut near the middle almost to mid-rib by two opposite rounded sinuses, 5-7 lobed, the terminal lobe large; acorn ¾-1½ inches long; cup deep, fringed around the outer rim
  • Q. macrocarpa, p. 93.
  • Leaves thick, leathery, usually 5-lobed, bright yellow-green above; acorns small, inch long
  • Q. stellata, p. 91.
  • Leaves 3-9 lobed, medium thin; acorn ¾-1¼ inches long
  • Q. alba, p. 89.

URTICACEAE—THE NETTLE FAMILY

The trees and shrubs alone belonging to the Nettle family number 1000 or more, most of which are tropical. The herbaceous representatives of this family in West Virginia are mostly unimportant weeds, but the 3 genera and 4 species of trees have considerable commercial value and are attractive ornamentally.

Ulmus, (pp. 117, 119).—There are about 15 known species of Elms of which 6 are native in North America and 3 in West Virginia. The English Elm (Ulmus campestris, L.) is planted for ornamental purposes. The Cork Elm (Ulmus racemosa, Thomas) is reported from Summers, Monroe, and Randolph counties.

Celtis, (page 121).—There are about 60 species of Hackberries, 9 being natives of North America and 2 natives of West Virginia. Besides the species herein described Celtis pumila, Pursh, a shrubby variety, grows at Harpers Ferry and other stations in the eastern part of the State.

Morus, (page 123).—About 10 species of Mulberries are known, of which 3 are native to North America and 1 to West Virginia. The White Mulberry (Morus alba, L.) a native of Asia, introduced to furnish food for silk worms, has become established in many sections.

The Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera, (Raf.) Sch.), a member of this family found native in the southwestern states, has been introduced into many sections where it is planted for hedges.

Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera, Vent.), a Japanese species, is reported from Jefferson, Berkeley, Kanawha, and other counties. The Common Fig Tree (Ficus Carica, L.) is occasionally found in the eastern part of the State where it has been planted.

MAGNOLIACEAE—THE MAGNOLIA FAMILY

The Magnolia family, comprising about 10 genera and 85 species of trees and shrubs, is represented in North America by 4 genera, two of which contain only shrubs. The other two include the valuable Magnolias and Tulip Tree which not only produce large quantities of choice lumber but are among the most desirable of our ornamental trees.

Magnolia, (pp. 125, 127, 129).—Most of the 25 species of Magnolias are tropical only one venturing as far north as southern Canada. Three species are native in West Virginia. Magnolia virginiana, a fragrant-flowered species growing farther east and south, is sometimes planted in West Virginia but is not hardy. Several shrubby and arborescent Chinese and Japanese species are also grown for ornamental use.

Liriodendron, (page 131).—The Chinese Liriodendron chinensis and our common Tulip Tree are the only known species belonging to this genus.

ANONACEAE—THE CUSTARD APPLE FAMILY

This family is essentially tropical, only a few of the 600 species being found in temperate regions. It has 2 genera, Asimina (page 133) and Anona, the former having 5 species of shrubs in the south Atlantic and Gulf states, and one tree growing in the eastern half of the United States. Anona is a tropical genus.

The trees of this family are small and the wood has no commercial value. The fruit of our Common Pawpaw is sweet and edible, but to many persons distasteful. The tree is highly ornamental and interesting when growing singly or in groups.

LAURACEAE—THE LAUREL FAMILY

The Laurel family, with about 40 genera and nearly 1000 species, is represented in North America by 6 genera, of which 4 are arborescent. Most of the species are tropical. The 2 genera represented in West Virginia are Sassafras, (page 135) and Benzoin, the latter having 1 shrubby species, the common Spice Bush. The Sassafras described herein is the only member of this genus in North America. Another species is found in China.

The members of this family are aromatic trees and shrubs, none of which is important as a wood producer. Some of them possess medicinal properties and all have ornamental value.

HAMAMELIDACEAE—THE WITCH HAZEL FAMILY

The Witch Hazel family comprises about 18 genera with 50 species most of which are native in Asia, South Africa and North America. Of the 3 North American genera 2 are arborescent. The genus Hamamelis (page 137) has 2 species in Asia and 1 herein described. Liquidambar (page 139) also comprises 2 Asiatic and 1 North American species, the latter being found in West Virginia.

The species produce hard, dark-colored and handsome wood.

PLATANACEAE—THE PLANE TREE FAMILY

The Plane Tree family has a single genus. Platanus, (page 141) with about 7 species, 3 of which are native to North America and 1 to West Virginia. Of the exotic species the Old World Platanus orientalis, L. is frequently planted along streets for shade.

ROSACEAE—THE ROSE FAMILY

The Rose family with about 90 genera and 1,500 species is one of the largest and most important families of plants, including the apple, pear, cherry, plum, quince, raspberry, blackberry, and strawberry. About 90 species, 30 or more of which are trees, are found in West Virginia. The genera which include our tree species are given below:

Pyrus, (pp. 143, 145).—This genus comprises about 40 species of trees and shrubs, 10 of which are native to North America and 2 or more to West Virginia. The apple and pear, introduced from Europe, are placed by some authors under the genus Malus, and Mountain Ash under the genus Sorbus. The latter is included under Pyrus in this bulletin. The European Mountain Ash (Pyrus aucuparia, (L.) Ehrh.) is often planted for ornamental purposes.

Amelanchier, (page 147).—The Juneberry species number about 30. About 23 of these are found in North America, 6 of which attain tree size. Besides the species described herein, variety botryapium has been reported from Preston County and a specimen collected in Tucker County has been pronounced by Dr. C. S. Sargent as the recently-named Amelanchier laeris. A shrubby species (Amelanchier oligocarpa, (Michx.) Roem.) is found in Tucker and Pocahontas counties.

Crataegus, (pp. 149, 151).—A few species of this genus occur in Europe and Asia, but most of them are native to North America. About 700 species of Thorns have been described. According to some authorities there are fewer species than have been described, while others affirm there are many yet to be found. Millspaugh’s Flora of West Virginia lists 22 species, and the writer has collected several additional species that have been examined and identified by Eggleston and others. Because the Thorns are of little commercial importance and are very difficult to identify only 2 species are described in this bulletin.

Prunus.—This genus includes the Plums and Cherries. Of the 100 or more species distributed in Asia, Europe and America, about 30 are native in the United States, and 4 or 5 are found in West Virginia.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PRUNUS

  • a. Fruit in long racemose clusters.
  • Leaves 2-5 inches long; fruit purplish-black
  • P. serotina, p. 153.
  • Leaves 2-4 inches long; fruit dark crimson
  • P. virginiana, p. 155.
  • a. Fruit in 4-5 fruited, umbel-like bunches.
  • Leaves lanceolate, thin, 3-5 inches long; fruit ¼ inch in diameter, light red
  • P. pennsylvanica, p. 157.
  • Leaves obovate, thick, rough above, 1½-4 inches long; fruit 1 inch in diameter, red or yellow
  • P. americana, p. 159.

LEGUMINOSAE—THE PULSE FAMILY

The Pulse family embraces over 400 genera with about 7,350 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs. Out of this number 100 genera with about 1,400 species are found in North America, and about 25 genera with 65 species are recorded for West Virginia. Only 3 genera with 3 species in this State can be classified as trees.

Gleditsia, (page 161).—About 11 species belonging to this genus are distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia and eastern North America, 3 of which are native to the south-central and eastern parts of the United States. One is found in West Virginia.

Cercis, (page 163).—This genus includes 7 species of small trees and shrubs distributed in parts of Europe, Asia and North America, 3 of which are found in the United States and one in West Virginia. The genus is of little commercial importance.

Robinia, (page 165).—- This is an American genus containing 7 species, 4 of which are shrubs, one tree species being found in West Virginia. Locusts have been introduced into Europe where they are widely planted. The Rose Acacia (Robinia hispida, L.) is occasionally planted for ornamental purposes.

The Kentucky Coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioica, (L.) Koch.) has been planted in many sections of the State, and is reported by Millspaugh as native in Randolph and Webster counties.

RUTACEAE—THE RUE FAMILY

This large family is confined chiefly to the Old World and the southern hemisphere, and is largely made up of herbs. Four genera have tree representatives in the United States. The species are not commercially valuable. Ptelea (page 167) is the only genus native to West Virginia. Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum, Mill.) grows in Monongalia, Jefferson, and Taylor counties, probably as an introduced species.

SIMARUBACEAE—THE QUASSIA FAMILY

The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus glandulosa, Desf.), introduced from Asia, has been extensively planted along streets and on lawns from which it has escaped in many places.

ANACARDIACEAE—THE CASHEW FAMILY

The Cashew or Sumach family is mainly tropical comprising about 50 genera with 500 species of trees, shrubs and woody vines. Its members are not valuable as wood producers but in many cases they have commercial importance on account of their acrid, milky, or resinous juice, used in medicine, tanning, and the manufacture of varnishes and resins, and on account of their attractive appearance when planted as ornaments. The genus Rhus, (pp. 169, 171, 173) is the only one native to Northeastern America. There are 120 known species of Rhus, about 16 of which are found in North America and 6 in West Virginia. Besides those described in this bulletin the following shrubby species grow wild in the State: Smooth Sumach (Rhus glabra, L.), Poison Ivy (Rhus Toxicodendron, L.) and Fragrant Sumach (Rhus canadensis, Marsh.)

The Smoke Tree (Rhus Cotinus, L.), an introduced tree, is planted on lawns.

AQUIFOLIACEAE—THE HOLLY FAMILY

The Holly family with 5 genera and nearly 300 species is distributed in temperate and tropical regions of both hemispheres. Ilex, (pp. 175, 177) which is represented in West Virginia by 4 species of small trees and shrubs, is the only genus of this family which is important in number of species or is widely distributed. Our hollies, not described herein, are Winterberry (Ilex verticillata, (L.) Gray), a low shrub common in high swamps; and a rare shrubby species with long-stalked fruits (Ilex longipes Chapm.) recently collected in Randolph County. Nemopanthus mucronata, (L.) Trel., also a member of this family, is a common shrub growing at high altitudes in this State.

ACERACEAE—THE MAPLE FAMILY

This family includes only 2 genera, one of which (Dipternia) contains a single Chinese species. The genus Acer comprises about 70 species distributed principally in the northern hemisphere. There are 13 species native to the United States, 6 of which are found in West Virginia.

The maples not only produce much valuable wood but are used more extensively than any other group for ornamental purposes. The principal exotic species are Norway Maple (Acer platanoides, L.), and Sycamore Maple (Acer Pseudo-Platanus, L.).

The following key will be of use in distinguishing the species:

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF ACER

  • a. Leaves simple.
  • b. Leaf sinuses acute at base.
  • Leaf-lobes long and narrow, leaves silvery white beneath; fruit in pairs, each key 1-2 inches long, falling in May
  • A. saccharinum, p. 187.
  • Leaf-lobes short and broad, leaves white-downy beneath, 3-lobed; fruit small, several, persistent till fall, in long drooping clusters; a small tree or shrub
  • A. spicatum, p. 181.
  • Leaves whitish and nearly glabrous beneath, 3-5 lobed, lobes broad and short; fruit in small clusters, falling in early summer
  • A. rubrum, p. 189.
  • b. Leaf sinuses rounded at base, leaves 3-lobed, finely and evenly toothed; fruit several in drooping racemes; a small tree or shrub with striped bark
  • A. pennsylvanicum, p. 179.
  • Leaves usually 5-lobed (or 3-lobed in variety nigrum, p. 185), the lobes sparingly wavy-toothed; fruit in small clusters, persisting until fall; a large tree
  • A. saccharum, p. 183.
  • a. Leaves compound; twigs greenish; fruit in long drooping racemes
  • A. negundo, p. 191.

SAPINDACEAE—THE SOAPBERRY FAMILY

This family embraces 100 genera and about 1000 species, chiefly tropical in the Old World. Six genera of trees occur in North America. The genus Aesculus, (pp. 193, 195) comprises 14 species, 10 of which are found in America and 2 in West Virginia. No other genus of this family is represented in the flora of the State. The Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum, L.) is a common introduced species.

TILIACEAE—THE LINDEN FAMILY

The Linden family with about 35 genera and over 300 species is chiefly tropical, having more representatives in the southern than in the northern hemisphere. Of the 3 North American genera only one (Tilia) is arborescent. Of the 8 species of Tilia (pp. 197, 199) found in North America 2 are native to West Virginia. The European Linden (Tilia Europea, L.) is occasionally planted.

ARALIACEAE—THE GINSENG FAMILY

This family having about 50 genera with over 400 species is chiefly tropical, though widely distributed in other parts of the world. The genus Aralia (page 201) contains the only tree species in North America. This is common in West Virginia.

CORNACEAE—THE DOGWOOD FAMILY

The Dogwood family, with 15 genera, is widely distributed in temperate regions. Cornus (pp. 203, 205) and Nyssa (page 207) are the only genera having tree representatives in North America. Of the 40 known species of Cornus 15 are native to North America and 7 to West Virginia. The shrubby species are listed on page 234. Nyssa comprises 7 known species, 5 of which are found in North America and 1 in this State.

ERICACEAE—THE HEATH FAMILY

The Heath family with its 90 genera and 1,400 species is widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions. Of the 40 genera found in the United States 7 have tree representatives. The flora of West Virginia comprises about 22 genera and 40 species belonging to this family. Many of these are shrubs, the names of which are given in the list of native shrubs beginning on page 232.

Three small trees belonging to the following genera are described herein.

Rhododendron, (page 209).—This genus embraces about 100 species of shrubs and small trees in the Northern hemisphere besides a large number in the southern. Of the 17 or more species native to North America only 1 reaches tree size. In addition to the species described herein the flora of the State embraces the Mountain Rose Bay (R. catawbiense, Michx.) and several species of Azaleas.

Kalmia, (page 211).—The genus Kalmia includes about 5 species in North America, 2 of which are found in West Virginia. Kalmia angustifolia, L. is a rare shrub reported from several counties in the State.

Oxydendrum, (page 213).—This genus contains a single species, the Sour-wood, described in this bulletin.

EBENACEAE—THE EBONY FAMILY

The Ebony family with 6 genera and many species is distributed chiefly in tropical regions of both hemispheres. The genus Diospyros (page 215) is the only representative of this family in the United States and includes 2 species one of which is native to West Virginia.

STYRACACEAE—THE STORAX FAMILY

This family embracing about 7 genera and comparatively few species is distributed principally in North and South America and in eastern Asia. Of the 3 North American genera only Halesia (page 217) is found in West Virginia.

OLEACEAE—THE OLIVE FAMILY

The Olive family comprises about 20 genera with 500 species distributed principally in the northern hemisphere. In North America there are 5 genera with 20 species and in West Virginia 2 genera with 4 species. The Olive Tree (Olea Europaea, L.), which produces the olives used for food, belongs to this family. This tree has been introduced into the southwestern part of the United States. The Syringas, (Lilacs), Forsythias, and Ligustrums (Privets) are extensively planted in this State for ornamental purposes and for hedges. The two genera described below have representatives in West Virginia.

Fraxinus, (pp. 219, 221, 223).—The Ashes, numbering about 40 species, are distributed chiefly in the north temperate zone. Of this number 16 occur in North America and 3 in West Virginia. The European Ash, (F. excelsior, L.) is occasionally planted.

Chionanthus, (page 225).—This genus embraces only 2 species one of which is found in West Virginia. The other is native to northern and central China.

CAPRIFOLIACEAE—THE HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY

The Honeysuckle family, comprising about 10 genera with 275 species, is represented in North America by 8 genera and in West Virginia by 7 genera and about 18 species. Of this number 15 are shrubs or small trees. The species not described herein belonging to the genera Viburnum (pp. 227, 229), Diervilla, Lonicera, and Sambucus, are given in the list of native shrubs.