Chinquapin Oak. Chestnut Oak. Yellow OakChinquapin Oak. Chestnut Oak. Yellow Oak1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
Chinquapin Oak. Chestnut Oak. Yellow Oak
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flower, enlarged.
5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
6. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-50 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-3 feet; erect, somewhat short branches form a narrow, rounded crown.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 4-7 inches long, 1-4 inches broad; oblong-lanceolate to obovate; coarsely toothed; thick and firm; lustrous, yellow-green above, pale-pubescent beneath; petioles slender, about 1 inch long.
FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in hairy catkins 3-4 inches long; the pistillate sessile or in short spikes, hoary-tomentose; calyx campanulate, 5-8-lobed, yellow, hairy; corolla 0; stamens 5-8, with yellow anthers; stigmas red.
FRUIT.—Autumn of first season; sessile or short-stalked acorns; cup with small scales, hoary-tomentose, inclosing one-half of the nut; nut ovoid, about 3/4 inch long, light brown; kernel sweet, sometimes edible.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/8 inch long, conical, acute; scales chestnut-brown, scarious on the margin.
BARK.—Twigs greenish at first, becoming gray-brown, finally gray or brown; thin, silvery gray or ash colored and flaky on the trunk.
WOOD.—Heavy, very hard, strong, close-grained, durable, dark brown, with thin, pale brown sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Confined to the southern half of the Lower Peninsula.
HABITAT.—Prefers a limestone soil; dry hillsides; rich bottom-lands; rocky river-banks.
NOTES.—Grows uniformly until maturity. Leaves resemble those of the Chestnut. A form which differs from the type in having broader, obovate leaves broadest above the middle and a flaky bark has been described and namedQuercus Alexanderi Britton.
Red OakRed Oak1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
Red Oak
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flower, enlarged.
5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
6. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A large tree 70-80 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-4 feet; forming a broad, rounded crown of a few large, wide-spreading branches and slender branchlets.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-9 inches long, 4-6 inches broad; oval to obovate; 5-11-lobed with coarse-toothed, bristle-tipped lobes tapering from broad bases and wide, oblique, rounded sinuses; thin and firm; dull dark green above, paler beneath; petioles stout, 1-2 inches long.
FLOWERS.—April-May, when the leaves are half grown; monoecious; the staminate in hairy catkins 4-5 inches long; the pistillate on short, glabrous peduncles; calyx 4-5-lobed, greenish; corolla 0; stamens 4-5, with yellow anthers; stigmas long, spreading, bright green.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second season; sessile or short-stalked acorns; cup shallow, saucer-shaped, inclosing only the base of the nut; scales closely appressed, more or less glossy, puberulous, bright red-brown; nut oblong-ovoid with a broad base, about 1 inch long, red-brown; kernel white, very bitter.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/4 inch long, ovoid, acute, light brown, smooth.
BARK.—Twigs lustrous, green, becoming reddish, finally dark brown; young trunks smooth, gray-brown; old trunks darker, shallowly fissured into thin, firm, broad ridges; inner bark light red, not bitter.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, strong, coarse-grained, light red-brown, with thin, darker colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Southern portion of Lower Peninsula as far north as Roscommon County.
HABITAT.—Prefers rich, moist loam; glacial drift; stream-banks. Grows well in all well-drained soils.
NOTES.—Grows rapidly. A good street tree.
Pin OakPin Oak1. Winter twig, × 3.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
Pin Oak
1. Winter twig, × 3.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 3.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 3.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 3.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flower, enlarged.
5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
6. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-50 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; forming an oblong or pyramidal crown of many upright, spreading branches, the lowermost drooping nearly to the ground.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 4-6 inches long, 2-4 inches broad; obovate to ovate; 5-7-lobed by deep, wide, rounded sinuses, the lobes few-toothed, bristle-tipped; thin and firm; very lustrous, dark green above, paler beneath; petioles slender.
FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in hairy catkins 2-4 inches long; the pistillate tomentose, borne on short, tomentose peduncles; calyx 4-5-lobed, hairy; corolla 0; stamens 4-5, with yellow anthers; stigmas recurved, bright red.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second season; sessile or short-stalked acorns; cup saucer-shaped with scales closely appressed, dark red-brown, inclosing only the base of the nut; nut nearly hemi-spherical, about 1/2 inch in diameter, light brown; kernel bitter.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/8 inch long, ovoid or conical, acute, light brown, smooth.
BARK.—Twigs dark red and tomentose at first, becoming lustrous, green, finally gray-brown; thick, gray-brown and smoothish on the trunk.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, strong, coarse-grained, light brown, with thin, darker colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Confined to the most southern portions of the Lower Peninsula.
HABITAT.—Prefers moist, rich soil; river-bottoms; borders of swamps.
NOTES.—Grows rapidly and uniformly. Easily transplanted. The tiny branchlets at a distance give the impression of the tree being full of pins.
Scarlet OakScarlet Oak1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
Scarlet Oak
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1/2.
4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
7. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A tree 40-50 feet high and 12-15 inches in trunk diameter; long, slender branches form a rather open, rounded crown.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long and nearly as broad; broadly obovate to oval; 5-9-lobed by deep, wide, rounded sinuses, the lobes toothed and bristle-tipped; thin and firm; shining, bright green above, paler beneath, both sides glabrous; turning brilliant scarlet in autumn; petioles slender, 1-2 inches long.
FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in glabrous catkins 3-4 inches long; the pistillate on pubescent peduncles 1/2 inch long, bright red, pubescent; calyx 4-5-lobed, reddish, pubescent; corolla 0; stamens usually 4, with yellow anthers; stigmas long, spreading, bright red.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second season; sessile or short-stalked acorns; cup top-shaped to cup-shaped, with closely imbricated, slightly puberulous, red-brown scales, inclosing about one-half of the nut; nut usually short-ovoid, 1/2-3/4 inch long, light red-brown; kernel whitish, bitter.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud about 1/4 inch long, broadly ovoid, acute, dark red-brown, pale-pubescent above the middle.
BARK.—Twigs at first scurfy-pubescent, later lustrous, green, finally smooth, light brown; thick, dark gray or brown on old trunks, shallowly fissured, scaly; inner bark red, not bitter.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, strong, coarse-grained, light red-brown, with thick, darker brown sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Lower Peninsula, southern half.
HABITAT.—Prefers a light, dry, sandy soil.
NOTES.—Rapid of growth. Desirable for ornamental planting.
Hill’s Oak. Northern Pin Oak. Black OakHill’s Oak. Northern Pin Oak. Black Oak1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
Hill’s Oak. Northern Pin Oak. Black Oak
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1/2.
4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
7. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A tree 50-60 feet high, with a short trunk 2-3 feet in diameter; forming a rather narrow, oblong crown of upright and horizontal branches. Many small, drooping branches are sent out near the ground, which eventually die; and it is to the stubs or pins which persist about the trunk that the appelation Pin Oak is due.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-7 inches long and about as broad; oval to nearly orbicular; narrowly 5-7-lobed by deep, wide, rounded sinuses, the lobes few-toothed, bristle-tipped; thin and firm; lustrous, bright green above, paler beneath, both sides glabrous except for the tufts of hairs in the axils of the veins beneath; petioles slender, glabrous.
FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in puberulous catkins 2-3 inches long; the pistillate red, tomentose, borne on stout, tomentose, 1-3-flowered peduncles; calyx 2-5-lobed or-parted, glabrous except at the apex, which is fringed with long, twisted hairs; corolla 0; stamens 2-5, with short filaments; stigmas 3, recurved, dark red.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second season; short-stalked or nearly sessile acorns; cup top-shaped, with scales thin, puberulous, inclosing one-third to one-half of the nut; nut ellipsoid, 1/2-3/4 inch long, light brown, puberulous; kernel yellow, bitter.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/8-1/4 inch long, ovoid, rather obtuse, slightly angular, lustrous, red-brown.
BARK.—Twigs bright red-brown, covered with matted, pale hairs, becoming glabrous, dark gray or brown; thin, dull gray to dark brown, rather smooth or closely ribbed on the trunk; inner bark yellow.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, strong, coarse-grained, red-brown, with thin, paler sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—South-western part of the Lower Peninsula, but limits not definitely known.
HABITAT.—Well-drained uplands, especially on clays; occasionally on the borders of ponds and in low woods.
NOTES.—A new and comparatively little known species.
Yellow Oak. Black OakYellow Oak. Black Oak1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
Yellow Oak. Black Oak
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Staminate flower, enlarged.5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flower, enlarged.
5. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
6. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 50-60 feet high and 1-3 feet in trunk diameter; slender branches and stout branchlets form a wide-spreading, rounded crown.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-10 inches long, 3-8 inches broad; ovate to oblong; usually 7-lobed, some with shallow sinuses and broad, rounded, mucronate lobes, others with wide, rounded sinuses extending half-way to the midrib or farther and narrow-oblong or triangular, bristle-tipped lobes, the lobes more or less coarse-toothed, each tooth bristle-tipped; thick and leathery; dark green and shining above, pale and more or less pubescent beneath; petioles stout, yellow, 3-6 inches long.
FLOWERS.—May, when the leaves are half grown; monoecious; the staminate in pubescent catkins 4-6 inches long; the pistillate reddish, on short, tomentose peduncles; calyx acutely 3-4-lobed, reddish, hairy; corolla 0; stamens usually 4-5, with acute, yellow anthers; stigmas 3, divergent, red.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second season; sessile or short-stalked acorns; cup cup-shaped or turbinate, inclosing about one-half of the nut; scales thin, light brown, hoary; nut ovoid, 1/2-3/4 inch long, red-brown, often pubescent; kernel yellow, bitter.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/4 inch long, ovoid to conical, obtuse, strongly angled, hoary-tomentose.
BARK.—Twigs at first scurfy-pubescent, later glabrous, red-brown, finally mottled gray; thick and nearly black on old trunks, deeply furrowed and scaly; inner bark thick, yellow, very bitter.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, strong, coarse-grained, bright red-brown, with thin, paler sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Southern half of the Lower Peninsula.
HABITAT.—Prefers glacial drift; dry or gravelly uplands; poor soils.
NOTES.—Rapid of growth. Undesirable for street use.
Black JackBlack Jack1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
Black Jack
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1/2.
4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
7. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A small, shrubby tree 20-30 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 6-14 inches; spreading, often contorted branches form a rounded or obovoid crown.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-7 inches long and broad; broad-obovate; more or less 3-lobed at the apex, the lobes entire or toothed, bristle-tipped, very variable in size and shape; thick and leathery; very lustrous and dark green above, yellowish and scurfy-pubescent beneath; petioles short, stout.
FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in slender, hoary catkins 2-4 inches long; the pistillate rusty-tomentose, on short, rusty-tomentose peduncles; calyx 4-5-lobed, thin, scarious, tinged with red, pale-pubescent; corolla 0; stamens 4, with apiculate, red anthers; stigmas recurved, dark red.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second season; short-stalked acorns; cup turbinate, with large, red-brown, rusty-tomentose scales, inclosing about one-half of the nut; nut subglobose, about 3/4 inch long, yellow-brown, puberulous; kernel yellowish.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/4 inch long, ovoid, acute, prominently angled; scales light red-brown, rusty-hairy.
BARK.—Twigs at first light red and scurfy, later glabrous, red-brown, and finally brown or ashy gray; thick and almost black on the trunk, divided into nearly square plates.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, strong, dark brown, with thick, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Southern Michigan (Ann Arbor and Lansing).
HABITAT.—Dry, sandy or clay barrens.
NOTES.—Rare in Michigan.
Shingle OakShingle Oak1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
Shingle Oak
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1/2.
4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
7. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A tree 40-50 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet; forming a rather open, rounded crown of slender, horizontal branches.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 4-6 inches long, 1-2 inches broad; oblong-lanceolate to oblong-obovate; entire or somewhat undulate; thin, very lustrous, dark green above, paler and pubescent beneath; petioles stout, pubescent, 1/2 inch long.
FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious; the staminate in slender, hoary-tomentose catkins 2-3 inches long; the pistillate on slender, tomentose peduncles; calyx 4-lobed, yellow, downy; corolla 0; stamens 4-5, with yellow anthers; stigmas short, recurved, greenish yellow.
FRUIT.—Autumn of second season; acorns on stout peduncles 1/2 inch long; cup cup-shaped, with red-brown, downy scales, inclosing one-third to one-half of the nut; nut subglobose, about 1/2 inch long, dark brown, often striate; kernel very bitter.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/8 inch long, ovoid, acute, lustrous, brown.
BARK.—Twigs lustrous, dark green, becoming brown; thick on old trunks, light brown and slightly fissured.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, coarse-grained, light red-brown, with thin, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Of rare occurrence in Michigan. Reported in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Washtenaw Counties, Lower Peninsula.
HABITAT.—Rich uplands; fertile river-bottoms.
NOTES.—Desirable for ornamental uses. Hardy. Rapid of growth.
Slippery Elm. Red ElmSlippery Elm. Red Elm1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1.4. Perfect flower, enlarged.5. Fruit, × 1.
Slippery Elm. Red Elm
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1.4. Perfect flower, enlarged.5. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1.4. Perfect flower, enlarged.5. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1.4. Perfect flower, enlarged.5. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 2.
2. Leaf, × 1.
3. Flowering branchlet, × 1.
4. Perfect flower, enlarged.
5. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree 40-60 feet high, with a short trunk 1-2 feet in diameter; spreading branches form a broad, open, flat-topped crown.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 4-7 inches long, about one-half as broad; ovate-oblong; coarsely doubly serrate; thick and firm; dark green and rough above, paler and somewhat rough beneath; petioles short, stout, hairy.
FLOWERS.—March-April, before the leaves; mostly perfect; borne on short pedicels in crowded fascicles; calyx campanulate, 5-9-lobed, green, hairy; corolla 0; stamens 5-9, with dark red anthers; stigmas 2, reddish purple.
FRUIT.—May; semi-orbicular, 1-seeded samaras, short-stalked in dense clusters; seed cavity brown-tomentose; wings smooth, nearly 3/4 inch long.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds ovoid, obtuse, dark brown, rusty-tomentose, 1/4 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs at first bright green and pubescent, becoming light to dark brown or grayish; thick on old trunks, dark red-brown, shallowly fissured into large, loose plates; inner bark mucilaginous.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, strong, very close-grained, durable, easy to split while green, dark red-brown, with thin, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Of frequent occurrence throughout the state.
HABITAT.—Prefers stream-banks and bottom-lands; rich, moist hillsides; rocky ridges and slopes.
NOTES.—Grows more rapidly thanU. americana.
White Elm. American Elm. Water ElmWhite Elm. American Elm. Water Elm1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Flower, enlarged.5. Fruit, × 2.
White Elm. American Elm. Water Elm
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Flower, enlarged.5. Fruit, × 2.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Flower, enlarged.5. Fruit, × 2.
1. Winter twig, × 2.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Flower, enlarged.5. Fruit, × 2.
1. Winter twig, × 2.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
4. Flower, enlarged.
5. Fruit, × 2.
HABIT.—A tree 75-100 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 2-6 feet; commonly dividing 20-30 feet above the ground into a few large branches which rise upward and outward to form a vase-shaped outline.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 4-6 inches long, one-half as broad; obovate-oblong to oval; coarsely doubly serrate; thick and firm; dark green and rough above, pale and pubescent or glabrous beneath; petioles short and stout.
FLOWERS.—March-April, before the leaves; mostly perfect; small, brown to red; borne on slender pedicels in loose fascicles; calyx campanulate, 5-9-lobed; corolla 0; stamens 4-9, with bright red anthers; ovary 2-celled; styles 2, green.
FRUIT.—May; ovate, 1-seeded samaras, smooth both sides, hairy on the margin, 1/2 inch long, long-stemmed in crowded clusters.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds ovoid, acute, flattened, glabrous, brown, 1/8 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs at first light green and downy, becoming glabrous, red-brown, finally ash-gray; on old trunks thick, ash-gray, deeply fissured into broad, scaly ridges.
WOOD.—Heavy, hard, strong, tough, difficult to split, coarse-grained, light brown, with thick, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Common throughout the state.
HABITAT.—Prefers deep, rich, moist loam; bottom-lands; stream-banks.
NOTES.—Grows rapidly. Long-lived. The roots run along near the surface of the ground for a great distance. An ideal street tree.
Cork Elm. Rock ElmCork Elm. Rock Elm1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1.5. Flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
Cork Elm. Rock Elm
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1.5. Flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1.5. Flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1.5. Flower, enlarged.6. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1.
4. Flowering branchlet, × 1.
5. Flower, enlarged.
6. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A large tree sometimes reaching a height of 100 feet and a trunk diameter of 5 feet, but usually somewhat smaller; strongly drooping lateral and lower branches form a narrow, oblong crown.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-6 inches long, one-half as broad; obovate to oblong-oval, more or less dished; coarsely doubly serrate; thick and firm; lustrous, dark green above, pale-pubescent beneath; petioles pubescent, 1/4 inch long.
FLOWERS.—March-April, before the leaves; mostly perfect; greenish; borne on slender, drooping pedicels in loose racemes; calyx campanulate, 7-8-lobed; corolla 0; stamens 7-8, with purple anthers; ovary hairy, 2-styled.
FRUIT.—May; ovate, 1-seeded samaras, pubescent all over, 1/2 inch long.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds ovoid, acute, brown, pilose, 1/4 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs at first light brown and pubescent, becoming lustrous, red-brown, finally gray-brown with corky, wing-like ridges; thick and grayish on the trunk, with wide fissures separating broad, flat, scaly ridges.
WOOD.—Heavy, very strong and tough, close-grained, light red-brown, with thick, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Frequent in the southern third of the Lower Peninsula.
HABITAT.—Dry, gravelly uplands; rocky ridges and slopes; heavy clay soils; river-banks.
NOTES.—A good street tree, but less graceful in habit thanU. americana.
Hackberry. Nettle-treeHackberry. Nettle-tree1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 3/4.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
Hackberry. Nettle-tree
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 3/4.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 3/4.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 3/4.4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.7. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 3/4.
4. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
7. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A medium-sized tree, 40-60 feet high, with a short, straight trunk 1-2 feet in diameter which branches a few feet from the ground into a few large limbs and many slender, horizontal, zigzag branches, forming a broad, rounded crown.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 2-4 inches long and one-half as broad; ovate to ovate-lanceolate, oblique at the base, usually long-pointed; coarsely serrate above the entire base; thin; glabrous, light green above, paler beneath, turning light yellow late in autumn; petioles short, slender, hairy.
FLOWERS.—May, with or soon after the leaves; polygamo-monoecious; greenish; inconspicuous; on slender pedicels; the staminate in clusters at the base of the shoot, the pistillate usually solitary in the axils of the upper leaves; calyx greenish, deeply 5-lobed; corolla 0; stamens 5; ovary 1-celled.
FRUIT.—September-October, remaining on the tree through the winter; slender-stalked, fleshy, globular drupes, 1/4 inch long, dark purple; edible.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds light brown, 1/4 inch long, ovoid, acute, flattened, the tip appressed.
BARK.—Twigs greenish, puberulous, becoming lustrous, red-brown in their first winter; on old trunks thick, light brown or silvery gray, broken into deep, short ridges or warty excrescences.
WOOD.—Heavy, soft, coarse-grained, weak, light yellow, with thick, whitish sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Common throughout the Lower Peninsula.
HABITAT.—Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil, but will grow on gravelly or rocky hillsides. Common along river-banks.
NOTES.—Hardy throughout its range. Grows slowly and irregularly in youth. Easily transplanted. Not desirable as a street tree, but appears well in ornamental grounds. Very tolerant of shade.
Osage OrangeOsage Orange1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1/4.
Osage Orange
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1/4.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1/4.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1/2.4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1/4.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1/2.
4. Staminate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Pistillate flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
8. Fruit, × 1/4.
HABIT.—A tree 20-30 feet high, with a short trunk 1-2 feet in diameter; divides into a few large limbs with curving branches, forming a symmetrical, rounded crown.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-5 inches long, 2-3 inches broad; ovate to oblong-lanceolate; entire; thick and firm; dark green and shining above, paler beneath; petioles slender, pubescent, 1-1/2-2 inches long.
FLOWERS.—June, after the leaves; dioecious; the staminate slender-pedicelled, borne in a dense raceme at the end of long, slender, drooping peduncles; the pistillate in dense, globose heads at the end of short, stout peduncles; calyx 4-lobed, hairy; corolla 0; stamens 4; style covered with white, stigmatic hairs.
FRUIT.—Autumn; pale green, orange-like, 4-5 inches in diameter, composed of numerous small drupes, crowded and grown together.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds depressed-globular, partly hidden in the bark, pale brown.
BARK.—Twigs at first bright green, pubescent, becoming orange-brown and armed with stout, straight, axillary spines; dark orange-brown on the trunk and deeply furrowed.
WOOD.—Heavy, very hard and strong, flexible, coarse-grained, very durable, bright orange, with thin, lemon colored sapwood.
NOTES.—A native of the South, but hardy throughout Michigan. A desirable ornamental tree. Extensively planted for hedges.
Red MulberryRed Mulberry1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Spike of staminate flowers, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Spike of pistillate flowers, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1.
Red Mulberry
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Spike of staminate flowers, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Spike of pistillate flowers, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Spike of staminate flowers, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Spike of pistillate flowers, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Portion of twig, enlarged.3. Leaf, × 1.4. Spike of staminate flowers, × 1.5. Staminate flower, enlarged.6. Spike of pistillate flowers, × 1.7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.8. Fruit, × 1.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Portion of twig, enlarged.
3. Leaf, × 1.
4. Spike of staminate flowers, × 1.
5. Staminate flower, enlarged.
6. Spike of pistillate flowers, × 1.
7. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
8. Fruit, × 1.
HABIT.—A small tree 20-30 feet high, with a short trunk 10-15 inches in diameter; forming a dense, round-topped crown of stout, spreading branches and more or less zigzag, slender branchlets.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 3-5 inches long, nearly as broad; outline variable, ovate to semi-orbicular, often 3-5-lobed; coarsely serrate; thin; dark blue-green and smooth or rough above, pale and more or less downy beneath; petioles 1-2 inches long, smooth, exuding a milky juice when cut.
FLOWERS.—May, with the leaves; monoecious or dioecious; the staminate in dense spikes 1-2 inches long, on short, hairy peduncles; the pistillate in dense spikes about 1 inch long, on short, hairy peduncles; calyx 4-lobed, hairy; corolla 0; stamens 4, with green anthers; stigmas 2, spreading.
FRUIT.—July; 1 inch long; consisting of drupes about 1/32 inch long, each inclosed in a thickened, fleshy calyx; berry-like; bright red at first, finally blackish; sweet, juicy, edible.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud absent; lateral buds ovoid, abruptly pointed, 1/4 inch long, lustrous, light brown.
BARK.—Twigs greenish and more or less downy, becoming smooth and brownish; trunk dark brown tinged with red and more or less furrowed.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, rather tough, coarse-grained, very durable, pale orange, with thick, lighter colored sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Southern portion of the Lower Peninsula, as far north as the Muskegon river.
HABITAT.—Prefers rich soil in river-bottoms.
NOTES.—Easily transplanted. Grows rapidly in good, moist soil.
Tulip Poplar. Tulip-tree. White-woodTulip Poplar. Tulip-tree. White-wood1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Fruit (opened and partly disseminated), × 1/2.
Tulip Poplar. Tulip-tree. White-wood
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Fruit (opened and partly disseminated), × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Fruit (opened and partly disseminated), × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.2. Leaf, × 1/2.3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.4. Fruit (opened and partly disseminated), × 1/2.
1. Winter twig, × 1.
2. Leaf, × 1/2.
3. Flowering branchlet, × 1/2.
4. Fruit (opened and partly disseminated), × 1/2.
HABIT.—A large tree 70-100 feet high, with a columnar trunk 2-5 feet in diameter; forming a rather open, conical crown of slender branches.
LEAVES.—Alternate, simple, 5-6 inches long and broad; 4-lobed; entire; lustrous, dark green above, pale or glaucous beneath, turning clear yellow in autumn; petioles slender, angled, 5-6 inches long.
FLOWERS.—May-June, after the leaves; perfect; terminal; solitary on stout peduncles; tulip-shaped, greenish yellow, 1-1/2-2 inches long; sepals 3, greenish, early deciduous; petals 6, in 2 rows, greenish yellow with an orange spot at the base, early deciduous; stamens numerous, somewhat shorter than the petals; pistils numerous, clinging together about a central axis; ovary 1-celled.
FRUIT.—September-October; a narrow, light brown cone 2-1/2-3 inches long, composed of numerous carpels; carpels long, flat, with a 1-2-seeded nutlet at the base, separating from the slender spindle at maturity.
WINTER-BUDS.—Terminal bud 1/2-1 inch long, obtuse, flattish, dark red, covered with a glaucous bloom.
BARK.—Twigs smooth, lustrous, reddish, becoming brownish, and at length gray; ashy gray, thin and scaly on young trunks, becoming thick, brownish, and deeply furrowed with age.
WOOD.—Light, soft, brittle, weak, easily worked, light yellow or brown, with thin, cream-white sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Lower Peninsula south of the Grand River. Formerly common, but becoming rare.
HABITAT.—Prefers deep, rich, rather moist soil, but adapts itself readily to any good, light soil.
NOTES.—Difficult to transplant, but rapid of growth when once established. Not disfigured by insect enemies. Good for ornamental planting.