Bark.—Smooth, except on old trunks which are roughened by shallow furrows; brown outside, yellow inside, covered with stout prickles.
Wood.—Soft, brittle, weak, brown with yellow streaks.
Range.—New York to Missouri and southward.
Distribution in West Virginia.—Common locally west of the Alleghanies.
Habitat.—Often associated with grape vines in thickets on burnt hillsides, and in rich soil of bottom lands and swamp borders.
Notes.—Hercules Club or Angelica-tree is often erroneously called Prickly Ash. It has no commercial importance except as an ornament. Whether in bloom or in fruit the tree is very attractive and should be seen more often on the lawn. The fruit is eagerly eaten by birds.
FLOWERING DOGWOOD
Cornus florida, L.