The heartwood is distinctly red, and the sapwood white, this color combination making very striking effects when finished for cedar chests, closets, and interior woodwork. The wood is aromatic, soft, strong, and of even texture, and these qualities make it most desirable for lead pencils. It is very durable in contact with the soil, and on that account is in great demand for posts, poles and rustic work.
The arbor vitae or northern white cedar, Thuja occidentalis L., is found occasionally on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, on the cliffs of Starved Rock, in Elgin City Park, and in bogs in Lake County. The leaves are aromatic, scale-like, ⅛ inch long, arranged to give small flat branches. The fruit is a cone ½ inch long. The wood is light, soft, durable, fragrant, and pale brown.
QUAKING ASPEN Populus tremuloides Michx.
THIS is one of the most widely distributed trees in North America. Its range goes from Labrador to British Columbia and from New England and New York far south in the Rocky Mountains to Arizona. In Illinois it is common in the north, but of infrequent occurrence in the south.
ASPEN
Three-fourths natural size.
The aspen is a small tree, reaching heights of 40 to 60 feet and diameters of 10 to 20 inches. The young branches are reddish-brown soon turning gray. The winter buds are about ¼ inch long, pointed and shining. The bark is thin, smooth, light gray tinged with green.