Sterile flowers 3, and bractlets 2, to each shield-shaped scale or bract of the catkins, consisting each of a calyx of one scale bearing 4 short filaments with 1-celled anthers (or strictly of two 2-parted filaments, each division bearing an anther-cell). Fertile flowers 2 or 3 to each 3-lobed bract, without bractlets or calyx, each of a naked ovary, becoming a broadly winged and scale-like nutlet (or small samara) crowned with the two spreading stigmas.—Outer bark usually separable in sheets, that of the branchlets dotted. Twigs and leaves often spicy-aromatic. Foliage mostly thin and light. Buds sessile, scaly. Sterile catkins long and drooping, terminal and lateral, sessile, formed in summer, remaining naked through the succeeding winter, and expanding their golden flowers in early spring, with or preceding the leaves; fertile catkins oblong or cylindrical, peduncled, usually terminating very short 2-leaved early lateral branches of the season. (The ancient Latin name, of Celtic origin.)

[*] Trees, with brown or yellow-gray bark, sweet-aromatic as well as the twigs, membranaceous and straight-veined Hornbeam-like leaves heart-shaped or rounded at base, on short petioles, and sessile very thick fruiting catkins; their scales about equally 3-cleft, rather persistent; wing of fruit not broader than the seed-bearing body.

1. B. lénta, L. (Cherry B. Sweet or Black Birch.) Bark of trunk dark brown, close (outer layers scarcely laminate), very sweet-aromatic; leaves ovate or oblong-ovate from a more or less heart-shaped base, acuminate, sharply and finely doubly serrate all round, when mature shining or bright green above and glabrous except on the veins beneath; fruiting catkins oblong-cylindrical (1–1¼´ long), the scales with short and divergent lobes.—Rich woodlands, Newf. to N. Del., and south in the mountains, west to Minn., and S. Ind. Tree 50–75° high, with reddish bronze-colored spray; wood rose-colored, fine-grained, valuable for cabinet-work.

2. B. lùtea, Michx. f. (Yellow or Gray Birch.) Bark of trunk yellowish- or silvery-gray, detaching in very thin filmy layers, within and the twigs much less aromatic; leaves (3–5´ long) slightly or not at all heart-shaped and often narrowish toward the base, duller-green above and usually more downy on the veins beneath; fruiting catkins oblong-ovoid (1´ or less in length, 6–9´´ thick), the thinner scales (5–6´´ long) twice as large as in n. 1, and with narrower barely spreading lobes.—Rich moist woodlands, Canada and N. Eng. to Del., west to Minn.; also along high peaks to Tenn. and N. C. Often 60–90° high at the north; wood whiter and less valuable.

[*][*] Trees, with chalky-white bark separable in thin sheets, ovate or triangular leaves of firmer texture, on long slender petioles; fruiting catkins cylindrical, usually hanging on rather slender peduncles; their scales glabrous, with short diverging lobes, freely deciduous; wing of the fruit much broader than its body.

4. B. papyrífera, Marshall. (Paper or Canoe Birch. White Birch.) Leaves ovate, taper-pointed, heart-shaped or abrupt (or rarely wedge-shaped) at base, smooth and green above, pale, glandular-dotted, and a little hairy on the veins beneath, sharply and unequally doubly serrate, 3–4 times the length of the petiole. (B. papyracea, Ait.)—Rich woodlands and stream-banks, N. Eng. to N. Penn., N. Ill., and Minn., and far north and westward. Tree 50–75° high, with bark freely splitting into paper-like layers.—Var. minor, Tuckerman, is a dwarf form of the alpine region of the White Mts.

[*][*][*] Tree, with greenish-brown bark, somewhat laminate, and reddish twigs, ovate leaves whitish beneath, and soft-downy peduncled fruiting catkins.

5. B. nìgra, L. (River or Red Birch.) Leaves rhombic-ovate, acutish at both ends, irregularly doubly serrate, whitish and (until old) downy underneath; petioles and peduncle of nearly the same length (3–7´´) and with the oblong catkin tomentose; the bracts with oblong linear nearly equal lobes; fruit broadly winged.—Banks of streams, Mass, to Fla., west to Minn., E. Kan., and Tex. Tree 50–75° high, with light-colored wood and somewhat Alder-like leaves.

[*][*][*][*] Shrubs, with brownish bark, rounded or wedge-shaped crenate and mostly small leaves of thickish or coriaceous texture, and oblong or cylindrical glabrous and mostly erect catkins, on short peduncles.

6. B. pùmila, L. (Low Birch.) Stems (2–8° high) erect or ascending, not glandular; young branches and lower face of young leaves mostly soft-downy; leaves obovate, roundish, or orbicular (6–16´´ long), pale beneath, veinlets on both faces finely reticulated; wing of the fruit mostly narrower than the body.—Bogs, W. Conn, and N. J. to Ind. and Minn., and northward throughout Canada. Leaves usually not at all resiniferous or glandular-dotted.

7. B. glandulòsa, Michx. (Dwarf Birch.) Stems erect or mostly spreading (1–4° high), or when alpine procumbent; branchlets glabrous, conspicuously dotted with resinous wart-like glands; leaves roundish wedge-obovate or sometimes orbicular (6–9´´ long), green and glabrous both sides, less reticulated; fruiting catkins mostly shorter and oblong or oval; wing of the fruit narrower than or sometimes equalling the body.—High mountains of N. Eng. and N. Y., to L. Superior, and far northward.

2. ÁLNUS, Tourn. Alder.

Sterile catkins elongated and drooping, with 4 or 5 bractlets and 3 (rarely 6) flowers upon each short-stalked shield-shaped scale; each flower usually with a 3–5-parted calyx and as many stamens; filaments short and simple; anthers 2-celled. Fertile catkins ovoid or oblong; the fleshy scales each 2–3-flowered, with a calyx of 4 little scales adherent to the scales or bracts of the catkin, which are thick and woody in fruit, wedge-obovate, truncate, or 3–5-lobed, and persistent.—Shrubs or small trees, with few-scaled leaf-buds, and solitary or often racemose-clustered catkins, terminating leafless branchlets or peduncles. (The ancient Latin name.)

1. A. víridis, DC. (Green or Mountain Alder.) Shrub 3–8° high; leaves round-oval, ovate, or slightly heart-shaped, glutinous and smooth or softly downy beneath, irregularly serrulate or biserrulate with very sharp and closely set teeth, sometimes sinuate-toothed and serrulate (var. sinuàta, Regel), on young shoots often cut-toothed; fertile catkins slender-stalked, clustered, ovoid (6–8´´ long).—On mountains and mountain streams, Newf. to W. Mass., N. Y., L. Superior, and far north and west; also in the Alleghanies to N. C. (Eu., Asia.)

§ 2. Flowers developed in earliest spring, before the leaves, from mostly clustered catkins which (of both sorts) were formed the foregoing summer and have remained naked over winter; fruit wingless or with a narrow coriaceous margin.

2. A. incàna, Willd. (Speckled or Hoary A.) Leaves broadly oval or ovate, rounded at base, sharply and often doubly serrate, whitened and mostly downy beneath; stipules oblong-lanceolate; fruit orbicular.—Borders of streams and swamps, Newf. to Mass., E. Neb., Minn., and westward. Shrub or tree 8–20° high; the common Alder northward. (Eu., Asia.)

3. A. serrulàta, Willd. (Smooth A.) Leaves obovate, acute at base, sharply serrate with minute teeth, thickish, green both sides, smooth or often downy beneath; stipules oval; fruit ovate.—Borders of streams and swamps, Mass. to Fla., west to S. E. Minn. and Tex.; common. Shrub forming dense thickets, or sometimes at the south a small tree 6–35° high.

§ 3. Flowers in autumn (Sept.) from catkins of the season; the fertile mostly solitary in the axils of the leaves, ripening the fruit a year later; fruit wingless.

4. A. marítima, Muhl. (Sea-side A.) Glabrous; leaves oblong, ovate, or obovate with a wedge-shaped base, slender-petioled, sharply serrulate, bright green, or rather rusty beneath; fruiting catkins large, ovoid or oblong (9–12´´ long, 6´´ thick).—Borders of streams and swamps. S. Del. and E. Md., near the coast. Small tree 15–25° high. (E. Asia.)

3. CÓRYLUS, Tourn. Hazel-nut. Filbert.

1. C. Americàna, Walt. (Wild Hazel-nut.) Leaves roundish-heart-shaped, pointed; involucre open above down to the globose nut, of 2 broad foliaceous cut-toothed almost distinct bracts, their base coriaceous and downy, or with glandular bristles intermixed.—Thickets, N. Eng. to Ont. and Dak., and southward. Twigs and petioles often glandular-bristly.

2. C. rostràta, Ait. (Beaked Hazel-nut.) Leaves ovate or ovate-oblong, somewhat heart-shaped, pointed; involucre of united bracts, much prolonged above the ovoid nut into a narrow tubular beak, densely bristly.—N. Scotia to northern N. J., Mich., Minn., and westward, and south in the mountains to Ga. Shrub 2–6° high.

4. ÓSTRYA, Micheli. Hop-Hornbeam. Iron-Wood.

Sterile flowers in drooping cylindrical catkins, consisting of several stamens in the axil of each bract; filaments short, often forked, bearing 1-celled (half-) anthers; their tips hairy. Fertile flowers in short catkins; a pair to each deciduous bract, each of an incompletely 2-celled 2-ovuled ovary, crowned with the short bearded border of the adherent calyx, tipped with 2 long-linear stigmas, and enclosed in a tubular bractlet, which in fruit becomes a closed bladdery oblong bag, very much larger than the small and smooth nut; these inflated involucres loosely imbricated to form a sort of strobile, in appearance like that of the Hop.—Slender trees, with very hard wood, brownish furrowed bark, and foliage resembling that of Birch; leaves open and concave in the bud, more or less plaited on the straight veins. Flowers in the spring, appearing with the leaves; the sterile catkins 1–3 together from scaly buds at the tip of the branches of the preceding year; the fertile single, terminating short leafy shoots of the season. (The classical name.)

1. O. Virgínica, Willd. (American Hop-Hornbeam. Lever-wood.) Leaves oblong-ovate, taper-pointed, very sharply doubly serrate, downy beneath, with 11–15 principal veins; buds acute; involucral sacs bristly-hairy at the base.—Rich woods, common, from the Atlantic to N. Minn., Neb., E. Kan., and southward. Tree 25–45° high; hop-like strobiles full-grown in Aug.

5 CARPÌNUS, L. Hornbeam. Iron-wood.

Sterile flowers in drooping cylindrical catkins, consisting of several stamens in the axil of a simple and entire scale-like bract; filaments very short, mostly 2-forked, the forks bearing 1-celled (half-) anthers with hairy tips. Fertile flowers several, spiked in a sort of loose terminal catkin, with small deciduous bracts, each subtending a pair of flowers, as in Ostrya; but the single involucre-like bractlet is open, enlarged in fruit and foliaceous, merely subtending the small ovate several-nerved nut.—Trees or tall shrubs, with smooth close gray bark, in this and in the slender buds and straight-veined leaves resembling the Beech; leaf-buds and inflorescence as in Ostrya. (The early Latin name.)

6. QUÉRCUS, L. Oak.

Sterile flowers in slender naked catkins; bracts caducous; calyx 2–8-parted or lobed; stamens 3–12; anthers 2-celled. Fertile flowers scattered or somewhat clustered, consisting of a nearly 3-celled and 6-ovuled ovary, with a 3-lobed stigma, enclosed by a scaly bud-like involucre which becomes an indurated cup (cupule) around the base of the rounded nut or acorn. Cotyledons remaining underground in germination; radicle very short, included.—Flowers greenish or yellowish. Sterile catkins single or often several from the same lateral scaly bud, filiform and hanging in all our species. (The classical Latin name.) All flower in spring, and shed their nuts in Oct. of the same or the next year.

§ 1. LEUCOBÁLANUS. Bark pale, often scaly; leaves and their lobes or teeth obtuse, never bristle-pointed; stamens 6–8; scales of the cup more or less knobby at base; stigmas sessile or nearly so; abortive ovules at the base of the perfect seed; inner surface of nut glabrous; fruit maturing the first year, often peduncled; kernel commonly sweetish; wood tough and dense.

[*] Leaves deciduous, lyrate or sinuate-pinnatifid, pale beneath.—White Oaks.

1. Q. álba, L. (White Oak.) Mature leaves smooth, pale or glaucous underneath, bright green above, obovate-oblong, obliquely cut into 3–9 oblong or linear and obtuse mostly entire lobes; cup hemispherical-saucer-shaped, rough or tubercled at maturity, naked, much shorter than the ovoid or oblong acorn (1´ long).—All soils, Maine to S. E. Minn., E. Kan., and south to the Gulf. A large and valuable tree; lobes of the leaves short and broad (3–5), or deep and narrow (5–9).

2. Q. stellàta, Wang. (Post Oak. Iron Oak.) Leaves grayish or yellowish-downy underneath, pale and rough above, thickish, sinuately cut into 5–7 rounded divergent lobes, the upper ones much larger and often 1–3-notched; cup deep saucer-shaped, naked, one third or half the length of the ovoid acorn (6–9´´ long). (Q. obtusiloba, Michx.)—Sandy or sterile soil, Martha's Vineyard to Mich. and E. Neb., south to Fla. and Tex.; common, especially southward. A small tree with very durable wood.

3. Q. macrocárpa, Michx. (Bur Oak. Over-cup or Mossy-cup Oak.) Leaves obovate or oblong, lyrately-pinnatifid or deeply sinuate-lobed, or nearly parted, sometimes nearly entire, irregular, downy or pale beneath; the lobes sparingly and obtusely toothed, or the smaller ones entire; cup deep, thick and woody (9´´–2´ across), conspicuously imbricated with hard and thick pointed scales, the upper ones awned, so as usually to make a mossy-fringed border; acorn broadly ovoid (1–1½´ long), half immersed in or entirely enclosed by the cup.—Rich soil, N. Scotia to W. Mass. and Penn., west to Minn., central Neb., and Kan. A large and valuable tree; extremely variable in the size and fringe of the acorns.—Var. olivæfórmis, Gray, is only a narrower-leaved form with unusually small oblong acorns.

[*][*] Leaves coarsely sinuate-toothed, but not lobed (except slightly in n. 5), whitish and more or less downy beneath; cup hoary, hemispherical or a little depressed, about half as long as the oblong-ovoid edible acorn.—Chestnut-Oaks.

5. Q. bícolor, Willd. (Swamp White Oak.) Leaves obovate or oblong-obovate, wedge-shaped at base, coarsely sinuate-crenate and often rather pinnatifid than toothed, usually soft-downy and white-hoary beneath, the main primary veins 6–8 pairs, lax and little prominent; fruiting peduncle much longer than the petiole; upper scales of the cup awn-pointed, sometimes forming a mossy-fringed margin; acorn scarcely 1´ long.—Borders of streams and swamps, S. Maine to Ont., Minn., and E. Kan., and south in the mountains to N. Ga.—A large tree, with flaky bark.

6. Q. Michaùxii, Nutt. (Basket-Oak. Cow-Oak.) Leaves (5–6´ long) oval or obovate, acute, obtuse or even cordate at base, regularly dentate (commonly not deeply), rather rigid, usually very tomentose beneath; stamens usually 10; fruit short-peduncled; cup shallow, tuberculate with hard and stout acute scales, without fringe; acorn 1½´ long. (Q. Prinus, var Michauxii, Chapm.)—Borders of streams and swamps, Del. to Fla., and in the west from S. Ind. to Mo., and south to the Gulf.—A large and valuable tree, with gray flaky bark and large sweet edible acorns. Intermediate forms appear to connect with n. 5, of which Dr. Engelmann considered it a sub-species.

7. Q. Prìnus, L. (Chestnut-Oak.) Leaves thick, varying, obovate or oblong to lanceolate, sometimes acuminate, with an obtuse or acute base, undulately crenate-toothed, pale and minutely downy beneath, the main primary ribs 10–16 pairs, straight, prominent beneath; fruiting peduncles shorter than the petioles, often very short; cup thick (6–12´´ wide), mostly tuberculate with hard and stout scales; acorn large (sometimes 1–1¼´ long). (Incl. var. monticola, Michx.)—Rocky banks and hillsides, E. Mass. to N. Y. and Ont., and south in the mountains to N. Ala. A large tree, with thick and deeply furrowed bark, rich in tannin.

8. Q. Muhlenbérgii, Engelm. (Yellow Oak. Chestnut-Oak.) Leaves (5–7´ long) slender-petioled, often oblong or even lanceolate, usually acute or pointed, mostly obtuse or roundish at base, almost equably and rather sharply toothed; cup subsessile, shallow, thin, of small appressed scales, 5–7´´ broad; acorn globose or obovate, 7–9´´ long. (Q. Prinus, var. acuminata, Michx.)—Dry hillsides and rich bottoms, Mass. to Del., along the mountains to N. Ala., west to Minn., E. Neb., and Tex.—Leaves more like those of the Chestnut than any other; the primary veins very straight, impressed above, prominent beneath. A tall tree, with thin flaky bark.

9. Q. prinoìdes, Willd. Like the last, but of low stature (usually 2–4° high), with smaller more undulate leaves on shorter petioles (3–6´´ long), and deeper cups with more tumid scales. (Q. Prinus, var. humilis, Marsh.)—Same range as last. Apparently quite distinct at the east, where it is very low, but running into Q. Muhlenbergii at the far west.

10. Q. vìrens, Ait. (Live Oak.) Leaves small, oblong or elliptical, hoary beneath as well as the branchlets; peduncle usually conspicuous, 1–3-fruited; cup top-shaped; acorn oblong; cotyledons completely united into one mass.—Along the coast from Va. to Fla. and Tex. Becoming a large tree at the south, and formerly extensively used in ship-building.

§ 2. MELANOBÁLANUS. Bark dark, furrowed; leaves deciduous, their lobes and teeth acute and bristle-pointed (at least in youth); stamens mostly 4–6; cup-scales membranaceous; styles long and spreading; abortive ovules near the top of the perfect seed; inner surface of nut tomentose; fruit maturing the second year, sessile or on short thick peduncles; wood porous and brittle.—Black Oaks.

[*] Leaves pinnatifid or lobed, slender-petioled, not coriaceous, the lobes or teeth conspicuously bristle-pointed.

[+] Mature leaves glabrous on both sides or nearly so, oval, oblong or somewhat obovate in outline, from moderately sinuate-pinnatifid to deeply pinnatifid, turning various shades of red or crimson in late autumn; large trees, with reddish coarse-grained wood; species closely related and apparently readily hybridizing.

11. Q. rùbra, L. (Red Oak.) Cup saucer-shaped or flat, with a narrow raised border (9–12´´ in diameter), of rather fine closely appressed scales, sessile or on a very short and abrupt narrow stalk or neck, very much shorter than the oblong-ovoid or ellipsoidal acorn, which is 1´ or less in length; leaves rather thin, turning dark red after frost, moderately (rarely very deeply) pinnatifid, the lobes acuminate from a broad base, with a few coarse teeth; bark of trunk dark gray, smoothish.—Common both in rich and poor soil, westward to E. Minn. and E. Kan. Timber coarse and poor.—Var. runcinàta, A. DC., is a form with regular nearly entire lobes and the fruit nearly a half smaller; found near St. Louis.

12. Q. coccínea, Wang. (Scarlet Oak.) Cup top-shaped, or hemispherical with a conical base (7–9´´ broad), coarsely scaly, covering half or more of the broadly or globular-ovoid acorn, the scales somewhat appressed and glabrate, or in western localities yellowish-canescent and squarrose as in var. tinctoria; leaves in the ordinary forms, at least on full-grown trees, bright green, shining above, turning red in autumn, deeply pinnatifid, the slender lobes divergent and sparingly cut-toothed; buds small; acorns 6–9´´ long; bark of the trunk gray, the interior reddish.—Moist or dry soil; common, from S. Maine to Del., Minn., N. Mo., and south in the mountains.

Var. tinctòria, Gray. (Quercitron, Yellow-barked, or Black Oak.) Leaves with broader undivided lobes, commonly paler and somewhat pubescent beneath, turning brownish, orange, or dull red in autumn; cup-scales large and loosely imbricated or squarrose when dry, yellowish gray, pubescent; bark of trunk darker-colored and rougher on the surface, thicker, and internally orange, much more valuable for the tanner and dyer; buds longer and more pointed; cup sometimes less top-shaped. (Q. tinctoria, Bartram.)—Dry or gravelly uplands, S. Maine to S. Minn., E. Neb. and Tex. Intermediate forms connect this with the type. The bark is largely used in tanning.

13. Q. palústris, Du Roi. (Swamp Spanish or Pin Oak.) Cup flat-saucer-shaped, sometimes contracted into a short scaly base or stalk, fine-scaled (5–7´´ broad), very much shorter than the usually globose or depressed acorn, which is 5–7´´ long; leaves deeply pinnatifid with divergent lobes and broad rounded sinuses.—Low grounds; rather common, from Mass. to Del. and Md., west to Minn., E. Kan., and Ark.

[+][+] Mature leaves soft-downy beneath; cup saucer-shaped, with a somewhat top-shaped base, about half the length of the fully developed small acorn.

14. Q. falcàta, Michx. (Spanish Oak.) Leaves grayish-downy or fulvous underneath, obtuse or rounded at base, 3–5-lobed above (sometimes entire); the lobes prolonged, mostly narrow and more or less scythe-shaped, especially the terminal one, entire or sparingly cut-toothed; acorn globose, 4–5´´ long.—Dry or sandy soil, Long Island to Fla., and from S. Ind. to Mo. and Tex. A large or small tree, extremely variable in foliage; bark excellent for tanning.

15. Q. ilicifòlia, Wang. (Bear or Black Scrub-Oak.) Dwarf (3–8° high), straggling; leaves (2–4´ long) thickish, obovate, wedge-shaped at base, angularly about 5- (3–7-) lobed, white-downy beneath; lobes short and triangular, spreading; acorn ovoid, globular, 5–6´´ long.—Sandy barrens and rocky hills, N. Eng. to Ohio and Ky.

[*][*] Leaves entire or with a few teeth (or somewhat 3–5-lobed at the summit), coriaceous, commonly bristle-pointed; acorns globular, small (not over 6´´ long).

[+] Leaves thick, widening or often much dilated upward and more or less sinuate or somewhat 3–5-lobed; acorns globular-ovoid.

16. Q. aquática, Walter. (Water-Oak.) Leaves glabrous and shining, obovate-spatulate or narrowly wedge-form, with a long tapering base and an often obscurely 3-lobed summit, varying to oblanceolate; cup saucer-shaped or hemispherical.—Wet grounds, around ponds, etc., Del. to the Gulf, and from Ky. and Mo. to Tex.—Tree 30–40° high; running into many varieties, especially southward; the leaves on seedlings and strong shoots often incised or sinuate-pinnatifid; then mostly bristle-pointed.

17. Q. nìgra, L. (Black-Jack or Barren Oak.) Leaves broadly wedge-shaped, but sometimes rounded or obscurely cordate at the base, widely dilated and somewhat 3-lobed (rarely 5-lobed) at the summit, occasionally with one or two lateral conspicuously bristle-tipped lobes or teeth, rusty-pubescent beneath, shining above, large (4–9´ long); cup top-shaped, coarse-scaly; acorn short-ovoid.—Dry sandy barrens, or heavy clay soil, Long Island to S. Minn., E. Neb., and southward. A small tree (sometimes 30–40° high), of little value.

[+][+] Leaves not dilated upward, generally entire; acorn globose.

19. Q. Phéllos, L. (Willow-Oak.) Leaves linear-Lanceolate, narrowed to both ends, soon glabrous, light green (3–4´ long); cup saucer-shaped.—Bottom lands or rich sandy uplands, Staten Island to N. Fla., west to S. Ky., Mo., and Tex.

In addition to the above, the following hybrids have been recognized:—

Q. alba × macrocarpa; N. Ill. (Bebb); central Ill. (Hall).

Q. alba × stellata; N. Ill. (Bebb); D. C. (Vasey); S. C. (Mellichamp).

Q. alba × prinus; near Washington, D. C. (Vasey.)

Q. imbricaria × nigra (Q. tridentata, Engelmann); S. Ill. (Engelmann).

Q. imbricaria × palustris; Mo. (Engelmann).

Q. imbricaria × coccinea (Q. Leana, Nutt.); Ohio to Mo., and near Washington, D. C.

Q. Phellos × rubra (?) or coccinea (?) (Q. heterophylla, Michx.); Staten Island and N. J. to Del. and N. C. (Bartram's Oak.)

Q. Phellos × nigra (Q. Rudkini, Britt.); N. J. (Rudkin).

Q. ilicifolia × coccinea (?); Uxbridge, Mass. (Robbins.)

7. CASTÀNEA, Tourn. Chestnut.

Sterile flowers interruptedly clustered in long and naked cylindrical catkins; calyx mostly 6-parted; stamens 8–20; filaments slender; anthers 2-celled. Fertile flowers few, usually 3 together in an ovoid scaly prickly involucre; calyx with a 6-lobed border crowning the 3–7-celled 6–14-ovuled ovary; abortive stamens 5–12; styles linear, exserted, as many as the cells of the ovary; stigmas small. Nuts coriaceous, ovoid, enclosed 2–3 together or solitary in the hard and thick very prickly 4-valved involucre. Cotyledons very thick, somewhat plaited, cohering together, remaining underground in germination.—Leaves strongly straight-veined, undivided. Flowers appearing later than the leaves, cream-color; the catkins axillary near the end of the branches, wholly sterile or the upper ones androgynous with the fertile flowers at the base. (The classical name, from that of a town in Thessaly.)

1. C. satìva, Mill., var. Americàna. (Chestnut.) A large tree, leaves oblong-lanceolate, pointed, serrate with coarse pointed teeth, acute at base, when mature smooth and green both sides; nuts 2 or 3 in each involucre, therefore flattened on one or both sides, very sweet. (C. vesca, var., of the Manual.)—Rocky woods and hillsides, S. Maine to Del., along the mountains to N. Ala., and west to S. Mich., S. Ind., and Tenn.

2. C. pùmila, Mill. (Chinquapin.) A spreading shrub or small tree; leaves oblong, acute, serrate with pointed teeth, whitened-downy beneath; involucres small, often spiked; the ovoid pointed nut scarcely half as large as a common chestnut, very sweet, solitary, not flattened.—Rich hillsides and borders of swamps, S. Penn. to Fla., west to S. Ind. and Tex.

8. FÀGUS, Tourn. Beech.

1. F. ferrugínea, Ait. (American Beech.) Tree 75–100° high; leaves oblong-ovate, taper-pointed, distinctly and often coarsely toothed; petioles and midrib soon nearly naked; prickles of the fruit mostly recurved or spreading.—N. Scotia to Fla., west to Wisc., E. Ill., Mo., and Tex.

Order 104. SALICÀCEÆ. (Willow Family.)

Diœcious trees or shrubs, with both kinds of flowers in catkins, one to each bract, without perianth; the fruit a 1-celled and 2–4-valved pod, with 2–4 parietal or basal placentæ, bearing numerous seeds furnished with long silky down.—Style usually short or none; stigmas 2, often 2-lobed. Seeds ascending, anatropous, without albumen. Cotyledons flattened.—Leaves alternate, undivided, with scale-like and deciduous, or else leaf-like and persistent, stipules. Wood soft and light; bark bitter.

1. Salix. Bracts entire. Flowers with small glands, disks none. Stamens few. Stigmas short. Buds with a single scale.

2. Populus. Bracts lacerate. Flowers with a broad or cup-shaped disk. Stamens numerous. Stigmas elongated. Buds scaly.

1. SÀLIX, Tourn. Willow. Osier. (By M. S. Bebb, Esq.)

Bracts (scales) of the catkins entire. Sterile flowers of 3–10, mostly 2, distinct or united stamens, accompanied by 1 or 2 small glands. Fertile flowers also with a small flat gland at the base of the ovary; stigmas short.—Trees or shrubs, generally growing along streams, with terete and lithe branches. Leaves mostly long and pointed, entire or glandularly toothed. Buds covered by a single scale, with an inner adherent membrane (separating in n. 14). Catkins appearing before or with the leaves. (The classical Latin name.)

§ 1. Aments borne on short lateral leafy branchlets; scales yellowish, falling before the capsules mature; filaments hairy below, all free; style very short or obsolete; stigmas thick, notched. Trees or large shrubs; leaves taper-pointed.

[*] Leaves closely serrate with inflexed teeth; capsules glabrous.

[+] Stamens 3–5 or more.

[++] Trees 15–50° high, with rough bark and slender twigs; no petiolar glands; sterile aments elongated, narrowly cylindrical; flowers somewhat remotely subverticillate; scales entire, short and rounded, crisp-villous on the inside.

2. S. amygdaloìdes, Anders. Leaves lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 2–4´ long, attenuate-cuspidate, pale or glaucous beneath; petioles long and slender; stipules minute, very early deciduous; fertile aments becoming very loose in fruit from the lengthening of the slender pedicels.—Central N. Y. (Dudley) to Mo.; common westward.

[++][++] A shrub or small bushy tree, 6–15° high, with smooth bark and rather stout polished twigs; petioles glandular; sterile aments thick, oblong-cylindrical, densely flowered; stamens commonly 5; scales dentate, hairy at base, smooth above.

3. S. lùcida, Muhl. (Shining W.) Leaves ovate-lanceolate or narrower, tapering to a very long acuminate point, at length coriaceous, smooth and shining both sides; stipules small, oblong; fruiting aments often persistent, the capsules becoming rigid and polished, as in the nearly allied S. pentandra of Europe.—Banks of streams, N. Eng. to Penn., west and northward. A beautiful species on account of its showy staminate aments and large glossy leaves.

[+][+] Stamens mostly 2; capsules subsessile or very shortly pedicelled; leaves lanceolate, long-acuminate.

S. frágilis, L. (Crack Willow.) Leaves green and glabrous, pale or glaucous beneath, 3–6´ long; stipules when present half-cordate; stamens rarely 3–4; capsule long-conical, shortly pedicelled.—A tall and handsome tree, which was planted at an early day about Boston and elsewhere.—The var. decípiens, Smith, with yellowish-white or crimson twigs, buds black in winter, and smaller and brighter green leaves, ought perhaps to be excluded, the plant so named by Barratt, etc., being one of the hybrids mentioned below. (Adv. from Eu.)

S. álba, L. (White W.) Leaves ashy-gray or silky-white on both sides, except when old, 2–4´ long; stipules ovate-lanceolate, deciduous; capsules ovate-conical, sessile or nearly so.—Var. cærùlea, Koch; twigs olive; old leaves smooth, glaucous beneath, dull bluish green.—Var. vitellìna, Koch; twigs yellow or reddish; old leaves glabrous above.—A familiar tree of rapid growth, attaining a height of 50–80°. The typical form, with olive twigs and old leaves silky on both sides, is rarely found with us, but the var. vitellina is common. Pure S. fragilis is also scarce, but a host of hybrids between the two, representing S. viridis, Fries, S. Russelliana, Smith, etc., are the commonest of introduced willows. These forms are rendered almost inextricable by a further cross, by no means rare, with our native S. lucida. (Adv. from Eu.)

S. Babylónica, Tourn. (Weeping W.) Extensively planted for ornament, and in some places widely spread along river-banks and lake-shores by the drifting of detached limbs. (Adv. from Eu.)

4. S. longifòlia, Muhl. Leaves linear-lanceolate, 2–4´ long, tapering at each end, nearly sessile, more or less silky when young, at length smooth and green both sides; stipules small, lanceolate, deciduous; aments linear-cylindric, often clustered at the ends of the branchlets; capsule shortly pedicelled; stigmas large, sessile.—Found sparingly along the Atlantic coast from Maine to the Potomac; common westward. A shrub, rooting extensively in alluvial deposits and forming dense clumps. This species is a peculiar American type, and exceedingly variable; the earliest leaves after germination pinnately lobed.

§ 2. Aments lateral or terminal, with or without bracts; scales persistent, colored at the tip; stamens 2 (usually 1 in n. 19), with glabrous filaments (united and hairy in S. purpurea); shrubs or small trees.

[*] Capsules tomentose.

[+] Pedicels 3–6 times the length of the gland; style medium or none.

[++] Large shrubs or small trees (8–15° high); leaves obovate or elliptic-lanceolate, 2–4´ long, acute or acuminate, more or less obscurely and irregularly serrate, thin becoming rigid, glaucous beneath; fertile aments oblong-cylindric, 2–3´ long, loosely flowered.

5. S. rostràta, Richardson. Leaves dull green and downy above, stoutly veined and soft-hairy beneath, serrate, crenate or subentire; stipules when present semi-cordate, toothed, acute; aments appearing with the leaves, the sterile narrowed at base, pale yellow; capsules tapering to a very long slender beak; pedicels thread-like, much exceeding the pale, rose-tipped, linear, thinly villous scales; style scarcely any; stigma-lobes entire or deeply parted. (S. livida, var. occidentalis, Gray.)—Moist or dry ground, N. Eng. to Penn., and far west and northward. Not spreading from the root but having rather the habit of a small tree, with a distinct trunk.

6. S. díscolor, Muhl. (Glaucous W.) Leaves smooth and bright green above, soon smooth beneath, irregularly crenate-serrate, the serratures remote at base, closer, finer and becoming obsolete toward the point; stipules ½´ long or more, and sharply toothed, or small and nearly entire; aments closely sessile, thick, oblong-cylindrical, 1´ long or more, appearing before the leaves in earliest spring; scales dark red or brown, becoming black, copiously clothed with long glossy hairs; style short but distinct.—Var. eriocéphala, Anders. Aments more densely flowered and more silvery silky; leaves sometimes retaining a ferruginous pubescence beneath even when fully grown.—Var. prinoìdes, Anders. Aments more loosely flowered, less silky; capsules more thinly tomentose; style longer; stigma-lobes laciniate; leaves narrower. (S. prinoides, Pursh.) Includes narrow-leaved forms of the type, and others which are probably hybrids with S. cordata.—Low meadows and river-banks, common. The just expanding leaves are often overspread with evanescent ferruginous hairs.

7. S. hùmilis, Marsh. (Prairie W.) Leaves oblanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, the lowest obovate; stipules medium-sized, semi-ovate, entire or oftener toothed; petioles distinct; aments often recurved, about 1´ long.—Dry plains and barrens, common. A shrub, 3–8° high, varying much in the size and shape of the leaves. Hybrids with n. 6 have equally broad and large but duller green leaves, softly tomentose beneath and with shorter petioles, the aments equally thick but usually recurved, and the capsules on shorter pedicels. Small forms apparently pass into the next.

8. S. trístis, Ait. (Dwarf Gray W.) Leaves small (1–2´ long), crowded, linear-oblanceolate, tapering to a very short petiole; stipules minute, deciduous; aments very small, globular or oval, about ½´ long in fruit.—Sandy plains or on the borders of hillside thickets, common. A tufted shrub, 1–1½° high, rising from a strong large root.

[++][++][++] Low shrubs, 3–10° high, of cold swamps, with slender yellowish or reddish twigs; leaves lanceolate, smooth above, glaucous beneath and covered when young with appressed silvery-silky hairs; aments (especially the fertile) with a few leafy bracts at base; capsule pedicelled, silvery-silky; stigmas bifid.

[=] Shrubs of lowland swamps; leaves narrowly lanceolate, 2–3´ long, taper-pointed, finely and evenly serrate; stipules linear or semi-cordate, deciduous; aments sessile or in fruit slightly peduncled; style very short.

9. S. serícea, Marsh. (Silky W.) Leaves at first (principally beneath) very silky, turning black in drying; aments narrowly cylindrical, the fertile densely flowered; capsule short-pedicelled, ovate-oblong, rather obtuse.—Common, but more prevalent from the region of the Great Lakes eastward.

10. S. petiolàris, Smith. Leaves only slightly silky when young, soon smooth, with less tendency to blacken in drying; fertile aments ovoid-cylindric, in fruit broad and loose from the lengthening of the pedicels; capsule rostrate from an ovate base, rather acute.—Var. grácilis, Anders., has extremely loose aments, and very long-pedicelled attenuate-rostrate capsules.—Common, but more prevalent from the Great Lakes westward. This species, like the preceding, hybridizes freely with S. cordata.

[=][=] Alpine shrub; leaves 1–2´ long, repand-crenate; stipules minute, fugacious; aments leafy-peduncled; style distinct.

11. S. argyrocárpa, Anders. Leaves tapering evenly to both ends, acute, or the earliest obovate and obtuse, at length rigid, the margin slightly revolute; petiole short; fruiting ament short (about 1´ long), loosely flowered; capsule tapering, densely silky-silvery; gland of the staminate flower variously doubled.—Moist alpine ravines in a few limited localities on or near Mt. Washington, N. H.; also in Lower Canada and Lab. A bushy branched shrub, erect or depressed at base, 1–2° high, growing in wide dense patches. A hybrid with n. 13 was detected by Mr. E. Faxon in Tuckerman's ravine (its leaves collected by Dr. Gray as early as 1842!), appearing like a large form of the species with the aments of S. phylicifolia.

12. S. cándida, Willd. (Sage W. Hoary W.) Leaves lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, 2–4´ long, taper-pointed or the lowest obtuse, rather rigid, downy above, becoming glabrate, beneath covered with a dense white tomentum, the revolute margin subentire; stipules lanceolate, about as long as the petioles; aments cylindrical, densely flowered, 2´ long in fruit; anthers red; the dark gland elongated; capsule densely white-woolly; style dark red; stigmas short, spreading, notched.—Cold bogs, N. Eng. and N. J. to Iowa, and northward.—A hoary shrub 2–5° high; young shoots white-woolly, the older red. Two beautiful hybrids, with n. 10 and n. 14, have been found near Flint, Mich. (Dr. Clarke).

13. S. phylicifòlia, L. Leaves lanceolate, ovate-lanceolate or elliptic, somewhat equally pointed or obtuse at both ends, remotely and minutely repand-toothed, 2–3´ long, very smooth on both sides, dark green and shining above, glaucous beneath, at length coriaceous; stipules obsolete; aments sessile with a few small bracts at base, 1´ long, rather densely flowered, oblong-cylindric, the fertile somewhat stipitate, becoming 2´ long in fruit; scales dark, silky-villous; capsule conic-rostrate from an ovoid base; stigmas bifid or entire, yellow drying black. (S. chlorophylla, of Man.; S. chlorophylla, var. denudata, Anders.)—Moist ravines on alpine summits of the White Mountains, and of Mt. Mansfield, Vt.—A divaricately much branched shrub 1–10° high; twigs glabrous, sometimes covered with a glaucous bloom. (Eu.)

S. viminàlis, L., the Osier Willow of Europe, is occasionally planted, but soon dies out. Some of its hybrids, as S. Smithiàna, Willd., etc., stand our climate better, but cannot be regarded as adventive.

[+][+][+] Capsules sessile; filaments and often the reddish anthers united so as to appear as one.

S. purpùrea, L. (Purple W.) Leaves oblanceolate or tongue shaped, slightly serrulate, very smooth, glaucescent, subopposite; stipules obsolete; aments densely flowered, narrow-cylindrical, the sterile at least closely sessile, with only very small bracts at base; scale small, round, crisp-villous, tipped with dark purple; capsules grayish-tomentose, ovate-conical, obtuse.—Low grounds; commonly cultivated for basket-rods. (Adv. from Eu.)

[*][*] Capsules glabrous.

[+] Tall shrubs, 4–10° high; leaves lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 2–4´ long, acute or acuminate (on vigorous shoots rounded, truncate or cordate at base), serrate; sterile aments very silky, with a few bracts at base, 1´ long or more, the fertile leafy-peduncled, in fruit 2´ long or more; capsules tapering, pointed.

[++] Leaves soon smooth; capsules long-pedicelled; style medium.

15. S. glaucophýlla, Bebb. Leaves varying from ovate with a broadly rounded base to oblong-lanceolate and equally pointed at both ends (3–4´ long, nearly 2´ wide), glandular-serrate, subcoriaceous, glabrous throughout, dark green and shining above, glaucous beneath, the young drying black; stipules large, ear-shaped, dentate; aments thick, oblong-cylindrical, in size and silkiness resembling n. 6; capsules attenuate-rostrate, 3–5´ long, greenish, drying brown.—Var. angustifòlia, Bebb; leaves narrower (3´ long, ¾´ wide), pointed at both ends. (S. angustata, of ed. 2, in part.)—Var. brevifòlia, Bebb; leaves obovate, about 1´ long, strongly veined.—Common on the sand dunes of Lake Michigan, and occasionally found away from the lake shore in N. Ill. and Wisc.

16. S. balsamífera, Barratt. Leaves broadly rounded and usually subcordate at base, at first very thin, subpellucid and of a rich reddish color, at length rigid, dark green above, paler or glaucous and prominently reticulate-veined beneath, slightly glandular-serrulate; petioles long and slender; stipules obsolete; fertile aments becoming very lax in fruit, the long slender pedicels 6–8 times the length of the gland; style short. (S. pyrifolia, Anders.)—In open swamps along our northern boundary, Maine to Minn., and northward; White Mountains of N. H. (Little, 1823; rediscovered by Pringle, and C. E. and E. Faxon). A much branched shrub, growing in clumps; recent twigs shining-chestnut on the sunny side.

[++][++] Leaves clothed, even when fully grown, with a long silky tomentum on both sides, which is finally deciduous; capsule subsessile; style elongated.

17. S. adenophýlla, Hook. Leaves ovate or very broadly lanceolate, cuspidate-acuminate (1–2´ long), dull green both sides, very closely serrate with fine projecting gland-tipped teeth; stipules conspicuous, ovate-cordate, glandular-serrate, exceeding the short stout petioles, which are dilated at base and embrace the obtuse silky buds; aments leafy-peduncled, the fertile not rarely becoming 4´ long, densely flowered.—Shores of the Great Lakes, rooting extensively in the sand-dunes. A large straggling shrub, with stout tomentose twigs and crowded leaves. Hybridizes with S. cordata.

[+][+] Low erect shrub, 1–3° high; leaves small, entire; capsules oblong-cylindric; stigmas sessile or nearly so.

18. S. myrtilloìdes, L. Leaves elliptic-obovate, about 1´ long, obtuse or somewhat pointed, entire, smooth on both sides, somewhat coriaceous when mature, revolute, reticulated, pale or glaucous beneath, fertile aments oblong, loosely few-flowered, borne on long leafy peduncles; capsules reddish green; pedicels slender, twice the length of the nearly smooth greenish yellow scale.—Var. pedicellàris, Anders.; leaves oblong-linear or oblanceolate, 1–2½' long.—Cold peat-bogs, N. Eng. and N. J. to Iowa, and northward. (Eu.)

19. S. Uva-úrsi, Pursh. (Bearberry W.) Leaves elliptical and pointed, or obovate and obtuse, less than 1´ long, 3–4´´ wide, tapering at base, slightly toothed, strongly veined, smooth and shining above, pale and rather glaucous beneath; aments borne on slender lateral leafy peduncles, oblong-cylindric, 6–9´´ long, the fertile lengthening to 2´ and narrowly cylindric, densely flowered above, often loose below; scales obovate, rose-red at the tip, covered with long silky hairs; stamens rarely 2; capsule ovate-conical, brownish at maturity; pedicel scarcely exceeding the gland; style distinct. (S. Cutleri, Tuckerm.)—Abundant over all the alpine summits of N. New Eng. and N. Y. Closely prostrate, spreading from a stout central root over an area 1–2° in diameter.

20. S. herbácea, L. Leaves roundish oval, heart-shaped, obtuse or retuse, less than 1´ long, serrate, smooth and shining, reticulately veined; aments terminating 2-leaved branchlets, small, ovoid, 4–10 flowered; scales concave, obovate, obtuse, glabrous or slightly pubescent; capsule subsessile.—Alpine summits of the White Mountains, and far northward. A very small herb-like species, the half-underground stems creeping and rooting to a considerable extent, the branches seldom rising above 1–2´ from the ground. (Eu.)

2. PÓPULUS, Tourn. Poplar. Aspen.

Bracts (scales) of the catkins irregularly cut-lobed at the apex. Flowers from a cup-shaped disk which is obliquely lengthened in front. Stamens 8–30, or more; filaments distinct. Stigmas 2–4, elongated. Capsules 2–4-valved.—Trees, with broad and more or less heart-shaped or ovate toothed leaves, and often angular branches. Buds scaly, covered with resinous varnish. Catkins long and drooping, appearing before the leaves. (The classical Latin name, of uncertain origin.)

§ 1. Styles 2, with 2–3 narrow or filiform lobes; capsules thin, oblong-conical, 2-valved; seeds very small; leaves ovate.

[*] Petioles laterally flattened; bracts silky; stamens 6–20; capsules numerous, small, on very short pedicels.

P. álba, L. (White Poplar. Abele.) The younger branches and the under surface of the rhombic-oval sinuate-toothed acute leaves white-tomentose; scales crenate, fringed.—Frequently cultivated for shade, spreading widely by the root, and occasionally spontaneous. (Adv. from Eu.)

1. P. tremuloìdes, Michx. (American Aspen.) Small tree 20–50° high, with smooth greenish-white bark; leaves roundish-heart-shaped, with a short sharp point, and small somewhat regular teeth, smooth on both sides, with downy margins, on long slender petioles; scales cut into 3–4 deep linear divisions, fringed with long hairs.—Maine to the mountains of Penn., N. Ky., Minn., and far north and westward.

2. P. grandidentàta, Michx. (Large-toothed Aspen.) Tree 60–75° high, with smoothish gray bark; leaves roundish-ovate, with large and irregular sinuate teeth, when young densely covered with white silky wool, at length smooth both sides; scales cut into 5–6 unequal small divisions, slightly fringed.—Rich woods and borders of streams, N. Scotia to the mountains of N. C., west to N. Minn. and Tenn.

3. P. heterophýlla, L. (Downy Poplar.) Tree 40–80° high; leaves ovate with a somewhat truncate or cordate base, obtuse, crenate, white-woolly when young, at length nearly smooth, except on the elevated veins beneath; fertile catkins few-flowered; capsules ½´ long, equalling the pedicels.—Borders of river swamps, Conn. to Ga., and in the west from S. Ind. and Ill. to Ark. and W. La.

§ 2. Styles 2–4, with dilated lobes; capsules large, often thick, subglobose to ovate-oblong, 2–4-valved; bracts mostly glabrous; seeds 1–2´´ long.

4. P. balsamífera, L. (Balsam Poplar. Tacamahac.) Tree 50–75° high, the large buds varnished with a copious fragrant resin; leaves ovate-lanceolate, gradually tapering and pointed, finely crenate, smooth on both sides, whitish and reticulately veined beneath, on terete petioles ½–2´ long; scales dilated, slightly hairy; stamens 20–30; capsule ovate, 2-valved.—Borders of rivers and swamps, N. New Eng. to Mich. and Minn., and far north and westward.—Var. cándicans, Gray. (Balm Of Gilead.) Leaves broader and more or less heart-shaped; petiole commonly hairy. Common in cultivation, but rare or unknown in a wild state.

5. P. monilífera, Ait. (Cotton-wood. Necklace Poplar.) Tree 75–150° high; leaves broadly deltoid, with numerous crenate serratures and narrow very acute acumination, sometimes ovate, rarely cordate, on elongated flattened petioles; scales lacerate-fringed, not hairy; stamens 60 or more; capsules on slender pedicels (4–5´´ long) in long catkins, oblong-ovate, 3–4-valved. (Incl. P. angulata, Ait.)—Borders of streams, western N. Eng. to Fla., west to the Rocky Mts.

Order 105. EMPETRÀCEÆ. (Crowberry Family.)

Low shrubby evergreens, with the foliage, aspect, and compound pollen of Heaths, and the drupaceous fruit of Arctostaphylos, but the divided or laciniate stigmas, etc., of some Euphorbiaceæ;—probably only an apetalous and polygamous or diœcious degenerate form of Ericaceæ,—comprising three genera, two of which occur within the limits of this work, and the third farther south.

1. Empetrum. Flowers scattered and solitary in the axils. Sepals 3, somewhat petal-like.

2. Corema. Flowers collected in terminal heads. Calyx none.

1. ÉMPETRUM, Tourn. Crowberry.

Flowers polygamous, scattered and solitary in the axils of the leaves (inconspicuous), scaly-bracted. Calyx of 3 spreading and somewhat petal-like sepals. Stamens 3. Style very short; stigma 6–9-rayed. Fruit a berry-like drupe, with 6–9 seed-like nutlets, each containing an erect anatropous seed. Embryo terete, in the axis of copious albumen, with a slender inferior radicle and very small cotyledons. (An ancient name, from ἐν, upon, and πέτρος, a rock.)

2. CORÈMA, Don. Broom-Crowberry.

Flowers diœcious or polygamous, collected in terminal heads, each in the axil of a scaly bract, and with 5 or 6 thin and scarious imbricated bractlets, but no proper calyx. Stamens 3, rarely 4, with long filaments. Style slender, 3- (or rarely 4–5-) cleft; stigmas narrow, often toothed. Drupe small, with 3 (rarely 4–5) nutlets. Seed, etc., as in the last.—Diffusely much-branched little shrubs, with scattered or nearly whorled narrowly linear heath-like leaves. (Name κόρημα, a broom, from the bushy aspect.)

1. C. Conrádii, Torr. Shrub 6´–2° high, diffusely branched, nearly smooth; drupe very small, dry and juiceless when ripe.—Sandy pine barrens and dry rocky places, N. J. and L. Island (?), Shawangunk Mts., N. Y., coast of S. E. Mass. and Maine, to Newf. The sterile plant is handsome in flower, on account of the tufted purple filaments and brown-purple anthers.

Order 106. CERATOPHYLLÀCEÆ. (Hornwort Family.)

Aquatic herbs, with whorled finely dissected leaves, and minute axillary and sessile monœcious flowers without floral envelopes, but with an 8–12-cleft involucre in place of a calyx, the fertile a simple 1-celled ovary, with a suspended orthotropous ovule, seed filled by a highly developed embryo with a very short radicle, thick oval cotyledons, and a plumule consisting of several nodes and leaves.—Consists only of the genus

1. CERATOPHÝLLUM. L. Hornwort.

Sterile flowers of 10–20 stamens, with large sessile anthers. Fruit an achene, beaked with the slender persistent style.—Herbs growing under water, in ponds or slow-flowing streams; the sessile leaves cut into thrice-forked thread-like rigid divisions (whence the name from κέρας, a horn, and φύλλον, leaf).

1. C. demérsum, L. Fruit smooth, marginless, beaked with a long persistent style, and with a short spine or tubercle at the base on each side.—Var. echinàtum, Gray, has the fruit mostly larger (3´´ long), rough-pimpled on the sides, the narrowly winged margin spiny-toothed.—Slow streams and ponds, across the continent. (Eu., etc.)