The pumpkin ash, Fraxinus tomentosa Michx., grows in deep river swamps in southern Illinois. It is a tall slender tree, usually with a much enlarged base. The twigs are light gray. The leaves, with 7 to 9 leaflets, smooth above and soft downy below, are from 10 to 18 inches long.
The black ash, Fraxinus nigra Marsh., appears occasionally on the flood plains in the northern part of the State. It may be known by its ashy light gray bark, its very thick twigs and sessile, long-pointed sharply serrate leaflets.
CATALPA Catalpa speciosa Warder
THIS is a native to the Wabash Valley of Illinois, but has been widely planted and has spread somewhat farther as a result of cultivation. It is a medium sized tree with a short trunk and broad head with spreading branches. Because of its attractive flowers and conspicuous heart-shaped leaves, it is considerably used for shade and ornament. The bark varies from dark gray to brown, slightly rough, being divided in narrow shallow strips or flakes. The leaves are simple, opposite, oval, long-pointed, 6 to 10 inches long, and heart-shaped at the base.
CATALPA
Leaf, one-third natural size. Twig, two-thirds natural size.
The flowers appear in clusters or panicles in May or June. They are white with purple and yellow markings, and this makes them decidedly showy and attractive. The fruit consists of a bean-like pod, 8 to 16 inches long. It hangs on the tree over winter and gradually splits into 2 parts, or valves. The seeds are about 1 inch long and terminate in wings that are rounded and short-fringed at the ends. They are freely carried by the wind.