DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES
WITH
SUMMER AND WINTER KEYS
TO THE SPECIES
GINKGOACEAE
Ginkgo. Maidenhair Tree
1. Winter twig, × 1/2.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flower, enlarged.
5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
6. Fruit, × 1.
GINKGOACEAE
Ginkgo.[C] Maidenhair Tree
Ginkgo biloba L. [Salisburia adiantifolia Smith]
HABIT.—A slender tree in youth, with slender, upright branches, becoming broader with age and forming a symmetrical, pyramidal crown; probably 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet.
LEAVES.—Clustered at the ends of short, spur-like shoots, or scattered alternately on the long terminal branches; simple; 2-5 inches broad; more or less fan-shaped; usually bilobed and irregularly crenate at the upper extremity; thin and leathery; glabrous, pale yellow-green on both sides; petioles long, slender; turning a clear, golden yellow before falling in autumn.
FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; dioecious; the staminate in short-stalked, pendulous catkins, 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, yellow; the pistillate more or less erect on the shoot, long-stalked, consisting of 2 naked ovules, one of which usually aborts.
FRUIT.—Autumn; a more or less globose drupe, orange-yellow to green, about 1 inch in diameter, consisting of an acrid, foul-smelling pulp inclosing a smooth, whitish, somewhat flattened, almond-flavored nut.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud about 1/8 inch long, conical, smooth, light chestnut-brown; lateral buds divergent, usually only on rapid-growing shoots.
BARK.—Twigs gray-brown and smooth; thick, ash-gray and somewhat roughened on the trunk, becoming more or less fissured in old age.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, close-grained, yellow-white to light red-brown, with thin, lighter colored sapwood.
NOTES.—Origin in dispute, but probably a native of northern China. Extensively cultivated in China and Japan, where its fruit is esteemed. Easily propagated from seed. Thrives in deep, well-drained, rich soil. Practically free from insect and fungous attacks, and little harmed by the smoke of cities. Probably hardy throughout the southern half of the Lower Peninsula.
PINACEAE
SUMMER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PINUS
| a. | Leaves 5 in a cluster; cones 4-10 inches long. | P. strobus, p. [7]. | ||
| aa. | Leaves 2 in a cluster; cones less than 4 inches long. | |||
| b. | Leaves 1-3 inches long. | |||
| c. | Leaves about 1 inch long, divergent; cones sessile, pointingforward towards the tip of the branch, persistent10-15 years, opening very unevenly. | P. banksiana, p. [9]. | ||
| cc. | Leaves 1-1/2-3 inches long, slightly divergent; cones stout-stalked,pointing away from the tip of the branch,maturing in second season, opening evenly. | P. sylvestris, p. [13]. | ||
| bb. | Leaves 3-6 inches long. | |||
| c. | Bark of trunk red-brown; cones maturing in secondseason, about 2 inches long; cone-scales thickened at theapex, but unarmed. | P. resinosa, p. [15]. | ||
| cc. | Bark of trunk gray to nearly black; cones maturing infirst season, 2-3 inches long; cone-scales thickened at theapex and topped with a short spine. | P. laricio austriaca, p. [11]. | ||
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PINUS
| a. | Leaves 5 in a cluster; cones 4-10 inches long. | P. strobus, p. [7]. | ||
| aa. | Leaves 2 in a cluster; cones less than 4 inches long. | |||
| b. | Leaves 1-3 inches long. | |||
| c. | Leaves about 1 inch long, divergent; cones sessile, pointingforward towards the tip of the branch, persistent10-15 years, opening very unevenly. | P. banksiana, p. [9]. | ||
| cc. | Leaves 1-1/2-3 inches long, slightly divergent; cones stout-stalked,pointing away from the tip of the branch,maturing in second season, opening evenly. | P. sylvestris, p. [13]. | ||
| bb. | Leaves 3-6 inches long. | |||
| c. | Bark of trunk red-brown; cones maturing in secondseason, about 2 inches long; cone-scales thickened at theapex, but unarmed. | P. resinosa, p. [15]. | ||
| cc. | Bark of trunk gray to nearly black; cones maturing infirst season, 2-3 inches long; cone-scales thickened at theapex and topped with a short spine. | P. laricio austriaca, p. [11]. | ||
White Pine
1. Cluster of leaves, × 1.
2. Cross-sections of leaves, enlarged.
3. Partly opened cone, × 3/4.
4. Cone-scale with seeds, × 1.
PINACEAE
White Pine
Pinus strobus L.
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet; forming a wide, pyramidal crown. Formerly trees 100-150 feet in height and 5-7 feet in trunk diameter were not exceptional.
LEAVES.—In clusters of five; 3-5 inches long; slender, straight, needle-shaped, 3-sided, mucronate; pale blue-green. Persistent about 2 years.
FLOWERS.—June; monoecious; the staminate oval, light brown, about 1/3 inch long, surrounded by 6-8 involucral bracts; the pistillate cylindrical, about 1/4 inch long, pinkish purple, long-stalked.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second season, falling during the winter and succeeding spring; pendent, short-stalked, narrow-cylindrical, often curved, greenish cones, 4-10 inches long; scales rather loose, slightly thickened at the apex; seeds red-brown, 1/4 inch long, with wings 1 inch long.
WINTER-BUDS.—Oblong-ovoid, sharp-pointed, yellow-brown, 1/4-1/2 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs at first rusty-tomentose, later smooth and light brown, finally thin, smooth, greenish; thick, dark gray on the trunk, shallowly fissured into broad, scaly ridges.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, compact, straight-grained, easily worked, light brown, with thin, whitish sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula north of Allegan, Eaton and St. Clair Counties. Often planted as an ornamental tree farther south.
HABITAT.—Prefers a light, fertile loam; sandy soils of granite origin.
NOTES.—Rapid of growth. Small seedlings easily transplanted. Formerly very abundant, but rapidly nearing extinction through destructive lumbering.
Jack Pine. Scrub Pine
1. Cluster of leaves, × 1.
2. Cross-section of leaf, enlarged.
3. Branchlet with unopened cone, × 1.
4. Branchlet with opened cone, × 1.
5. Cone-scale with seeds, × 1.
PINACEAE
Jack Pine. Scrub Pine
Pinus banksiana Lamb. [Pinus divaricata (Ait.) Du Mont de Cours.]
HABIT.—Usually a small tree 20-30 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 8-12 inches; forming a crown varying from open and symmetrical to scrubby, stunted, and variously distorted.
LEAVES.—In clusters of two; about 1 inch long; narrow-linear, with sharp-pointed apex; stout, curved or twisted, divergent from a short sheath; dark gray-green. Persistent 2-3 years.
FLOWERS.—May-June; monoecious; the staminate in oblong clusters 1/2 inch long, composed of many sessile, yellow anthers imbricated upon a central axis; the pistillate in subglobose clusters, composed of many carpel-like, purple scales (subtended by small bracts) spirally arranged upon a central axis.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second or third season, but remaining closed for several years and persistent on the tree for 10-15 years; erect, usually incurved, oblong-conical, sessile cones, 1-1/2-2 inches long; scales thickened at the apex; seeds triangular, nearly black, 3/8 inch long, with wings 1/3 inch long.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/4 inch long, ovoid, rounded, pale brown; lateral buds smaller.
BARK.—Twigs yellow-green, becoming purple, finally dark red-brown and rough with the persistent bases of fallen leaves; thin, dark red-brown on the trunk, with shallow, rounded ridges, rough-scaly on the surface.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, close-grained, light brown, with thick, whitish sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Common from Clare County northward; occurs sparingly along the lake shore as far south as Grand Haven on the west and Port Austin on the east.
HABITAT—Sandy, sterile soil.
NOTES.—Cones open unevenly. Slow of growth. Difficult to transplant.
Austrian Pine. Black Pine
1. Cluster of leaves, × 1.
2. Cross-section of leaf, enlarged.
3. Unopened cone, × 1.
4. Partly opened cone, × 1/2.
5. Cone-scale with seeds, × 1.
PINACEAE
Austrian Pine. Black Pine
Pinus laricio austriaca Endl. [Pinus austriaca Höss.]
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet; forming a massive, spreading crown of stiff, strong branches.
LEAVES.—In clusters of two; 3-6 inches long; slender, rigid, sharp-pointed, curved towards the twig; deep green on both faces. Persistent 3-6 years.
FLOWERS.—May-June; monoecious; the staminate cylindrical, subsessile, bright yellow, about 3/4 inch long; the pistillate cylindrical, small, bright red, subsessile.
FRUIT.—Autumn of first season, opening two years after full size is attained and remaining on the tree several years; erect, sessile, long-ovoid cones 2-3 inches long; scales smooth, lustrous, thickened at the apex and topped with a short spine in the center; seeds red-brown, 1/4 inch long, with wings 3/4 inch long.
WINTER-BUDS.—Oblong-conical, sharp-pointed, red-brown, resinous, about 1/2 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs brownish to olive-brown and smooth, becoming darker with age; thick, gray to nearly black on old trunks and coarsely and deeply fissured.
WOOD.—Light, strong, very resinous, red-brown, with thick, yellowish to reddish white sapwood.
NOTES.—Perfectly hardy. Adapts itself to a variety of soils. Well adapted for screens and wind-breaks. Easily transplanted when small. Grows rapidly.
Scotch Pine. Scotch Fir
1. Cluster of leaves, × 1.
2. Cross-section of leaf, enlarged.
3. Unopened cone, × 1.
4. Partly opened cone, × 1.
5. Cone-scale with seeds, × 1.
PINACEAE
Scotch Pine. Scotch Fir
Pinus sylvestris L.
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; the side branches persist, forming a massive, wide-spreading crown.
LEAVES.—In clusters of two; 1-1/2-3 inches long; stiff, more or less twisted, spreading slightly from a short sheath; bluish- or often glaucous-green. Persistent 3-4 years.
FLOWERS.—May-June; monoecious; the staminate ovoid, short-stalked, yellowish, about 1/4 inch long; the pistillate oblong, reddish, short-stalked, about 1/4 inch long.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second season, falling as soon as ripe; pendent, stout-stalked, ovoid-conical cones 1-1/2-2-1/2 inches long; scales dull gray-brown, thickened at the apex into 4-sided, recurved points; seeds red-brown, nearly 1/4 inch long, with wings about 3/4 inch long.
WINTER-BUDS.—Oblong-ovoid, sharp-pointed, red-brown, resinous, about 1/4 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs reddish to orange-brown, becoming grayish; thick, dark orange-brown on old trunks and coarsely and deeply fissured.
WOOD.—Light, stiff, straight-grained, strong, heavy, hard, resinous, red-brown, with thick, yellow to reddish white sapwood.
NOTES.—Very rapid of growth. Reaches perfection only in cold or elevated regions. Adapts itself to a variety of soils. A valuable ornamental tree. Very useful for screens or shelter belts.
Red Pine, Norway Pine
1. Cluster of leaves, × 1.
2. Cross-section of leaf, enlarged.
3. Opened cone, × 1.
4. Cone-scale with seeds, × 1.
PINACEAE
Red Pine. Norway Pine
Pinus resinosa Ait.
HABIT.—A large tree 70-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet; stout, horizontal branches, form a broad, rounded, rather open crown.
LEAVES.—In clusters of two; 4-6 inches long; slender, straight, needle-shaped, sharp-pointed, flexible, from elongated, persistent sheaths; lustrous dark green. Persistent 4-5 years.
FLOWERS.—April-May; monoecious; the staminate in oblong, dense clusters, 1/2-3/4 inch long, composed of many sessile, purple anthers imbricated upon a central axis; the pistillate single or few-clustered at the end of the branchlets, subglobose; scales ovate, scarlet, borne on stout peduncles covered with pale brown bracts.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second season, falling the next summer; ovoid-conical, nearly sessile cones, about 2 inches long; scales thickened at the apex; seeds oval, compressed, light mottled-brown, with wings 1/2-3/4 inch long.
WINTER-BUDS.—About 3/4 inch long, ovoid or conical, acute, red-brown, with rather loose scales.
BARK.—Twigs orange-brown, becoming rough with the persistent bases of leaf-buds; thick and red-brown on the trunk, shallowly fissured into broad, flat ridges.
WOOD.—Light, hard, very close-grained, pale red, with thin, yellow to white sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Very abundant in Clare County and northward; frequent on the east side of the state as far south as Port Huron.
HABITAT.—Sandy plains and dry woods.
NOTES.—Rapid of growth on the better soils. Difficult to transplant.
Tamarack
1. Autumn branchlet, with leaves and cones, × 1.
2. Cross-section of leaf, enlarged.
3. Fruiting branchlet in winter, × 1.
4. Cone-scale with seeds, × 2.
PINACEAE
Tamarack
Larix laricina (DuRoi) Koch [Larix americana Michx.]
HABIT.—A tree sometimes 80-100 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; forming a broad, open, irregular crown of horizontal branches.
LEAVES.—Scattered singly along the leading shoots or clustered on the short lateral branchlets; linear, with blunt apex; rounded above, keeled beneath; about 1 inch long; bright green; sessile. Deciduous in early autumn.
FLOWERS.—April-May, with the leaves, monoecious; the staminate sessile, subglobose, yellow, composed of many short-stalked anthers spirally arranged about a central axis; the pistillate oblong, short-stalked, composed of orbicular, green scales (subtended by red bracts) spirally arranged about a central axis.
FRUIT.—Autumn of first season, but persistent on the tree for a year longer; ovoid, obtuse, light brown, short-stalked cones, 1/2-3/4 inch long; seeds 1/8 inch long, with pale brown wings widest near the middle.
WINTER-BUDS.—Small, globose, lustrous, dark red.
BARK.—Twigs at first grayish, glaucous, later light orange-brown, and finally dark brown; red-brown and scaly on the trunk.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, very strong, coarse-grained, very durable, light brown, with thin, nearly white sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Common throughout the state.
HABITAT.—Prefers cold, deep swamps, or in the north coming out on the drier uplands.
NOTES.—Becomes a picturesque tree in old age. Should be transplanted while dormant.
SUMMER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PICEA
| a. | Leaves 3/4-1 inch long, sharp-pointed; twigs glabrous. | ||
| b. | Cones 1-2 inches long, maturing in first season; leaves ill-scentedwhen bruised. | P. canadensis, p. [21]. | |
| bb. | Cones 3-6 inches long, maturing in second season; leavesnot ill-scented when bruised. | P. abies, p. [25]. | |
| aa. | Leaves 1/8-3/8 inch long, blunt-pointed; twigs rusty-pubescent. | P. mariana, p. [23]. | |
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PICEA
| a. | Leaves 3/4-1 inch long, sharp-pointed; twigs glabrous. | ||
| b. | Cones 1-2 inches long, maturing in first season; leaves ill-scentedwhen bruised. | P. canadensis, p. [21]. | |
| bb. | Cones 3-6 inches long, maturing in second season; leavesnot ill-scented when bruised. | P. abies, p. [25]. | |
| aa. | Leaves 1/8-3/8 inch long, blunt-pointed; twigs rusty-pubescent. | P. mariana, p. [23]. | |
White Spruce
1. Winter branchlet, x.
2. Leaves, × 1.
3. Cross-section of leaf, enlarged.
4. Unopened cone, × 1.
5. Partly opened cone, × 1.
6. Cone-scale with seeds, × 1.
PINACEAE
White Spruce
Picea canadensis (Mill.) BSP. [Picea alba Link]
HABIT.—A tree 50-60 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; forming a rather broad, open, pyramidal crown.
LEAVES.—Spirally arranged, but crowded on the upper side of the branches by the twisting of those on the under side; awl-shaped, 4-sided, incurved; dark blue-green; about 3/4 inch long; ill-scented when bruised. Persistent for several years.
FLOWERS.—April-May; monoecious; the staminate oblong-cylindrical, long-stalked, 1/2-3/4 inch long, composed of many spirally arranged, red anthers; the pistillate oblong-cylindrical, composed of broad, reddish scales (subtended by orbicular bracts) spirally arranged upon a central axis.
FRUIT.—Autumn or early winter of first season, falling soon after discharging the seeds; pendent, slender, oblong-cylindrical, nearly sessile cones, 1-2 inches long; seeds about 1/8 inch long, with large wings oblique at the apex.
WINTER-BUDS.—Broadly ovoid, obtuse, light brown, 1/8-1/4 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs smooth, gray-green, becoming orange-brown, finally dark gray-brown; thin, light gray-brown on the trunk, separating into thin, plate-like scales.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, straight-grained, light yellow, with sapwood of the same color.
DISTRIBUTION.—Common in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula and throughout the Upper Peninsula.
HABITAT.—Low, damp woods; banks of streams; borders of lakes; high rocky or sandy slopes; loves the cold winters.
NOTES.—A vigorous and beautiful tree in regions sufficiently cold.
Black Spruce
1. Winter branchlet, × 1.
2. Leaves, × 2.
3. Cross-sections of leaves, enlarged.
4-5. Opened cones, × 1.
6. Cone-scale with seeds, × 1.
PINACEAE
Black Spruce
Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP. [Picea nigra Link]
HABIT.—A small tree 20-30 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 6-10 inches; forming a narrow-based, conical, more or less irregular crown of short, slender, horizontal branches; often small and stunted.
LEAVES.—Spirally arranged, spreading in all directions; awl-shaped, 4-sided, blunt at the apex, more or less incurved; stiff; dark blue-green and glaucous; 1/8-3/8 inch long. Persistent for several years.
FLOWERS.—April-May; monoecious; the staminate subglobose, about 1/2 inch long, composed of many spirally arranged, dark red anthers; the pistillate oblong-cylindrical, composed of broad, purple scales (subtended by rounded, toothed, purple bracts) spirally arranged upon a central axis, about 1/2 inch long.
FRUIT.—Autumn of first season, but persistent on the branch for many years; pendent, ovoid, short-stalked cones, about 1 inch long; seeds about 1/8 inch long, with pale brown wings 1/2 inch long.
WINTER-BUDS.—Ovoid, acute, light red-brown, puberulous, 1/8 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs at first green and rusty-pubescent, becoming dull red-brown and rusty-pubescent; thin, gray-brown on the trunk, separating into thin, appressed scales.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, pale yellow-white, with thin, pure white sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Occurs sparingly in southern Michigan; more abundant in the northern portions.
HABITAT.—Cold, sphagnous bogs and swamps; shores of lakes.
NOTES.—Short-lived. Undesirable for ornamental planting. Growing to its largest size in the far north.
Norway Spruce
1. Branchlet with partly opened cone, × 1/2.
2. Leaf, × 3.
3. Cross-sections of leaves, enlarged.
4. Cone-scale with seeds, × 1.
PINACEAE
Norway Spruce
Picea abies (L.) Karst. [Picea excelsa Link]
HABIT.—A tree 50-70 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet; forming a dense, conical, spire-topped crown of numerous, drooping branches which persist nearly to the ground.
LEAVES.—Spirally arranged along the twig; crowded; 3/4-1 inch long; rigid, curved, acute; lustrous, dark green. Persistent 5-7 years.
FLOWERS.—May; monoecious; the staminate ovoid to subglobose, long-stalked, reddish to yellowish, 3/4-1 inch long; the pistillate cylindrical, sessile, erect, 1-1/2-2 inches long.
FRUIT.—Autumn of first season; sessile, cylindrical cones 3-6 inches long, pendent from the tips of the uppermost branches; sterile scales very short, toothed; seeds red-brown, rough, 1/8 inch long, with long wings.
WINTER-BUDS.—Ovoid, acute, red-brown, not resinous, about 3/8 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs red- or orange-brown, smooth or corrugated; becoming thin and gray-brown on old trunks, slightly fissured, scaly.
WOOD.—Light, strong, tough, elastic, soft, fine-grained, white, with thick, indistinguishable sapwood.
NOTES.—Grows to a height of 120-150 feet in northern Europe and Asia. Perfectly hardy in Michigan. Easily transplanted. Adapts itself to a variety of soils and climates. Grows rapidly, but is short-lived in our country. Desirable for ornamental planting. Useful for shelter belts.
Balsam Fir
1. Winter branchlet, × 1.
2-3. Leaves, × 2.
4. Cross-section of leaf, enlarged.
5. Unopened cone, × 1.
6. Cone-scale with seeds, × 1.
PINACEAE
Balsam Fir
Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.
HABIT.—A slender tree 40-60 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 12-18 inches; branches in whorls of 4-6, forming a symmetrical, open crown widest at the base and tapering regularly upward.
LEAVES.—Scattered, spirally arranged in rows, on young trees extending from all sides of the branch, on old trees covering the upper side of the branch; narrowly linear, with apex acute or rounded; 1/2-1-1/4 inches long; lustrous, dark green above, pale beneath; sessile; aromatic. Persistent 8-10 years.
FLOWERS.—May; monoecious; the staminate oblong-cylindrical, yellow, 1/4 inch long, composed of yellow anthers (subtended by scales) spirally arranged upon a central axis; the pistillate oblong-cylindrical, 1 inch long, composed of orbicular, purple scales (subtended by yellow-green bracts) spirally arranged upon a central axis.
FRUIT.—Autumn of first season; oblong-cylindrical, erect, puberulous, dark purple cones, 2-4 inches long, about 1 inch thick; seeds 1/4 inch long, shorter than their light brown wings.
WINTER-BUDS.—Globose, orange-green, resinous, 1/8-1/4 inch in diameter.
BARK.—Twigs at first grayish and pubescent, becoming gray-brown and smooth; thin and smooth on young trunks, pale gray-brown and marked by swollen resin chambers; red-brown on old trunks and somewhat roughened by small, scaly plates.
WOOD.—Very light, soft, weak, coarse-grained, perishable, pale brown, with thick, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Occasional in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, frequent in the northern half; abundant in the Upper Peninsula.
HABITAT.—Prefers cool, moist, rich soil; low, swampy ground; well-drained hillsides.
NOTES.—Grows rapidly. Short-lived. Easily transplanted.
Hemlock
1. Fruiting branch viewed from beneath, × 1/2.
2. Leaf, × 3.
3. Cross-section of leaf, enlarged.
4. Branchlet with partly opened cone, × 1.
5. Cone-scale with seeds, × 3.
PINACEAE
Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.
HABIT.—A large tree 60-80 feet high, with a trunk 2-4 feet in diameter; forming a rather broad, open, somewhat irregular-pyramidal crown of slender, horizontal branches.
LEAVES.—Spirally arranged around the branch, but appearing 2-ranked by the twisting of their petioles; linear, flat, rounded at the apex; about 1/2 inch long; dark yellow-green and shining above, hoary beneath; short-petioled. Persistent about 3 years.
FLOWERS.—April-May; monoecious; the staminate axillary, short-stalked, light yellow, about 3/8 inch long, composed of subglobose clusters of stamens; the pistillate terminal, oblong, pale green, 1/8 inch long, the scales short, pinkish.
FRUIT.—Autumn of first season, gradually losing their seeds during the winter and falling the next spring; oblong-ovoid, acute, short-stalked, red-brown cones, about 3/4 inch long; seeds 1/8 inch long, with wings about twice as long.
WINTER-BUDS.—Ovoid, obtuse, red-brown, slightly puberulous, 1/16 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs at first pale brown and pubescent, becoming glabrous, gray-brown; thick, red-brown or gray on the trunk, deeply divided into narrow, rounded, scaly ridges.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, brittle, coarse- and crooked-grained, not durable, ill-smelling, light red-brown, with thin, darker colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Throughout the state, with the exception of the south-eastern portion; scarce on the east side of the state, more common on the west, becoming very abundant in Emmet County.
HABITAT.—Prefers well-drained uplands and slopes of ravines.
NOTES.—A favorite hedge plant. Useful for ornamental planting in shady situations.
Arborvitae. White Cedar
1. Fruiting branchlet, × 1.
2. Tip of branchlet, enlarged.
3. Cone-scale with seeds, × 3.
PINACEAE
Arborvitae. White Cedar
Thuja occidentalis L.
HABIT.—A tree 40-50 feet high, with a short, often buttressed trunk 1-2 feet in diameter, often divided into 2-3 secondary stems; forming a rather dense, wide-based, pyramidal crown.
LEAVES.—Opposite, 4-ranked, scale-like, appressed; ovate, obtuse or pointed, keeled in the side pairs, flat in the others; 1/8-1/4 inch long; yellow-green, often becoming brown in winter; strongly aromatic when crushed. Persistent 1-2 years.
FLOWERS.—April-May; usually monoecious; the staminate minute, globose, yellow, composed of 4-6 stamens arranged oppositely on a short axis; the pistillate small, oblong, reddish, composed of 8-12 scales arranged oppositely on a short axis.
FRUIT.—Early autumn of first season, but persistent on the branch through the winter; erect, short-stalked, oblong-ovoid, pale brown cones, about 1/2 inch long, composed of 8-12 loose scales; seeds 1/8 inch long, ovate, acute, winged.
WINTER-BUDS.—Naked, minute.
BARK.—Twigs yellow-green, becoming light red, finally smooth, lustrous, dark orange-brown; thin, light red-brown on the trunk, slightly furrowed or deciduous in ragged strips.
WOOD.—Light, soft, brittle, rather coarse-grained, durable, fragrant, pale yellow-brown, with thin, whitish sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Throughout the Upper Peninsula, Lower Peninsula as far south as Montcalm County.
HABITAT.—Prefers moist soil in low swamps and along river-banks.
NOTES.—Slow of growth. Tolerant of all soils and exposures. Especially useful for hedges or narrow evergreen screens.
Red Juniper. Red Cedar
1. Branchlet with awl-shaped leaves, × 1.
2. Tip of branchlet, showing awl-shaped leaves, enlarged.
3. Fruiting branchlet with scale-like leaves, × 1.
4. Tip of branchlet, showing scale-like leaves, enlarged.
PINACEAE
Red Juniper. Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana L.
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 30-40 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; forming an irregular, pyramidal or rounded crown.
LEAVES.—Opposite, of two kinds: (1) sessile, scale-like, closely appressed, overlapping, 4-ranked, ovate, acute, 1/16 inch long, (2) sessile, awl-shaped, loosely arranged, 1/4-1/2 inch long. Persistent 5-6 years.
FLOWERS.—May; usually dioecious; minute; the staminate oblong-ovoid, composed of 4-6 shield-like scales, each bearing 4-5 yellow, globose pollen sacs; the pistillate ovoid, composed of about 3 pairs of flesh, bluish scales, united at the base and bearing 2 ovules.
FRUIT.—Autumn of first or second season; subglobose, berry-like strobile, about 1/4 inch in diameter, dark blue and glaucous; flesh sweet and resinous; seeds 2-3.
WINTER-BUDS.—Naked, minute.
BARK.—Twigs greenish to red-brown and smooth; thin, light red-brown on the trunk, exfoliating lengthwise into long, narrow, persistent strips, exposing the smooth, brown inner bark.
WOOD.—Light, soft, close-grained, brittle, weak, durable, very fragrant, dull red, with thin, whitish sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Occurs sparingly throughout the state; most abundant in the southern portion.
HABITAT.—Prefers loamy soil on sunny slopes; dry, rocky hills; also borders of lakes and streams, peaty swamps.
NOTES.—Slow of growth. Long-lived. Should be transplanted with ball of earth. Tolerant of varied soils and situations.
SALICACEAE
SUMMER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF SALIX[D]
| a. | Leaf-petioles without glands. | ||
| b. | Leaves 1/4-3/4 inch broad; petioles broad and flat. | S. nigra, p. [37]. | |
| bb. | Leaves 3/4-1/4 inches broad; petioles slender and terete. | S. amygdaloides, p. [39]. | |
| aa. | Leaf-petioles glandular above. | ||
| b. | Leaves 1/4-1/2 inch broad, sharp-serrate; tree with weepinghabit. | S. babylonica, p. [43]. | |
| bb. | Leaves 1/2-1-1/2 inches broad, blunt-serrate; tree with uprighthabit. | S. fragilis, p. [41]. | |
WINTER KEY TO THE SPECIES OF SALIX
The classification of the Willows is a task for the specialist, even when leaves and both staminate and pistillate flowers are obtainable. It is impractible for the novice to attempt the determination of species of Salix with winter characters alone. Consequently the usual winter key is omitted.
SALICACEAE
Willow
Salix (Tourn.) L.
The genus Salix is represented in Michigan by thirty or more distinct species, and there are many more hybrids. The majority of these are shrubs, only a few becoming truly arborescent. Because of the similarity of their botanical characters, the frequency with which they hybridize, and the facility with which they respond to their environment only an expert is competent to identify the species so abundant along our water courses and on the banks of our lakes and swamps. The scope of this work being necessarily limited, it has been deemed best to describe but two of our native willows and two of our foreign neighbors which are frequently planted.
Black Willow
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1.
4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1.
7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
8. Fruiting branchlet, × 1.
SALICACEAE
Black Willow
Salix nigra Marsh.
HABIT.—A tree 30-50 feet high, with a short trunk, 1-2 feet in diameter; stout, spreading branches form a broad, rather irregular, open crown. Often a shrub.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long, 1/4-3/4 inch broad; lanceolate, very long-pointed, often curved at the tip; finely serrate; thin; bright green and rather lustrous above, paler and often hairy beneath; petioles very short, more or less pubescent.
FLOWERS.—April-May, with the leaves; dioecious; borne in crowded, slender, hairy catkins, 1-3 inches long; calyx 0; corolla 0; scales yellow, villous, stamens 3-6; ovary ovoid-conical, short-stalked, with stigmas nearly sessile.
FRUIT.—June; ovoid-conical capsule, 1/8 inch long, containing many minute seeds which are furnished with long, silky, white hairs.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds narrow-conical, acute, lustrous, red-brown, 1/8 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs glabrous or pubescent, bright red-brown, becoming darker with age; thick, dark brown or nearly black on old trunks, deeply divided into broad, flat ridges, often becoming shaggy.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, close-grained, light red-brown, with thin, whitish sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Common throughout the state.
HABITAT.—Banks of streams and lake-shores.
NOTES.—Branchlets very brittle at the base, and these, broken off by the wind, are carried down stream, often catching in the muddy banks and there taking root.
Almondleaf Willow
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Lateral bud, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1.
4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
8. Fruiting branchlet, × 1/2.
SALICACEAE
Almondleaf Willow
Salix amygdaloides Anders.
HABIT.—A tree 30-40 feet high, with a straight, columnar trunk 1-2 feet in diameter; straight, ascending branches form a rather narrow, rounded crown.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-6 inches long, 3/4-1-1/4 inches broad; lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, long-pointed; finely serrate; thin and firm; light green and shining above, pale and glaucous beneath; petioles slender, 1/2-3/4 inch long.
FLOWERS.—April, with the leaves; dioecious; borne in crowded, slender, pubescent catkins 2-3 inches long; calyx 0; corolla 0; scales yellow, villous both sides; stamens 5-9; ovary oblong-conical, with stigmas nearly sessile.
FRUIT.—May; 1-celled, globose-conical capsule, 1/4 inch long, containing many minute seeds which are furnished with long, silky, white hairs.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds broadly ovoid, gibbous, lustrous, dark brown, 1/8 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs glabrous, lustrous, dark orange or red-brown becoming darker orange-brown; thick and brown on old trunks, irregularly fissured into flat, connected ridges.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, close-grained, light brown, with thick, whitish sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Common throughout the state.
HABITAT.—Banks of streams.
NOTES.—Hybridizes freely with other willows, making its identification difficult.
Crack Willow. Brittle Willow
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1.
4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
8. Fruiting branchlet, × 1/2.
SALICACEAE
Crack Willow. Brittle Willow
Salix fragilis L.
HABIT.—A tree 50-60 feet high, with a short, stout trunk 3-4 feet in diameter; stout, spreading branches form a broad, open crown.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long, 1/2-1-1/2 inches broad; lanceolate, long-pointed; finely glandular-serrate; thin and firm; lustrous, dark green above, paler beneath, glabrous both sides; petioles short, stout, with 2 glands at the junction of blade and petiole.
FLOWERS.—April-May, with the leaves; dioecious; borne in slender, pubescent catkins 1-3 inches long; calyx 0; corolla 0; scales blunt, somewhat pubescent; stamens usually 2; ovary abortive, with stigmas nearly sessile. Staminate trees rare.
FRUIT.—April-May; 1-celled, long-conical, short-stalked capsule, about 1/4 inch long, containing many minute seeds which are furnished with long, silky, white hairs.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds long-conical, pointed, glabrous, bright red-brown, about 1/4 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs pubescent, yellow-green, often reddish, becoming glabrous, lustrous, brown; thick, gray on the trunk, smooth in young trees, very rough, irregularly scaly-ridged in old trees.
WOOD.—Light, soft, tough, close-grained, red-brown, with thick, whitish sapwood.
NOTES.—A native of Europe and Asia, where it is a valuable timber tree. Hardy throughout the state and of very rapid growth. Thrives in rich, damp soil. Easily grown from cuttings. The twigs are very brittle at the base and are easily broken by the wind, hence the name Brittle Willow.
Weeping Willow. Napoleon’s Willow
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1.
4. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
6. Fruiting branchlet, × 1/2.
SALICACEAE
Weeping Willow. Napoleon’s Willow
Salix babylonica L.
HABIT.—A tree 40-50 feet high, with a short, stout trunk 3-4 feet in diameter; the long, slender branchlets, often many feet in length, droop in graceful festoons, giving to the tree a weeping habit.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-7 inches long, 1/4-1/2 inch broad; linear to linear-lanceolate, long-pointed; finely sharp-serrate; thin and firm; glabrous, dark green above, paler beneath; petioles 1/2 inch or less in length, glandular above, often hairy.
FLOWERS.—April-May, with the leaves; dioecious; borne in slender, nearly glabrous catkins 1-2 inches long; calyx 0; corolla 0; scales ovate-lanceolate, slightly hairy; ovary ovoid-conical, very short-stalked, with stigmas longer than the style. Staminate trees apparently do not occur in the United States.
FRUIT.—May-June; 1-celled, narrow-ovoid, sessile capsule, about 3/16 inch long, containing many minute seeds which are furnished with long, silky, white hairs.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds narrow-conical, sharp-pointed, somewhat flattened, brownish, 1/8-1/4 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs glabrous, olive-green; thick and gray on old trunks, rather smooth, or irregularly fissured into shallow, firm ridges.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, close-grained, light brown, with thick, whitish sapwood.
NOTES.—A native of Europe and Asia. Often grown in cemeteries. Easily propagated by cuttings. Rapid of growth in rich, damp soil. Sometimes winter-killed because the wood is not ripened.