Part 2

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.