Studies of Trees | Page 7

larch and bald cypress have the common characteristics of both shedding their leaves in winter and preferring to grow in moist or swampy soils. The larch, especially the native species, forms the well-known tamarack swamps of the north. The bald cypress grows in a similar way in groups in the southern swamps.
BALD CYPRESS (Taxodium distichum)
Distinguishing characters: The *feathery character* of the *twigs*, Fig. 16, and the *spire-like form* of the tree, Fig. 17, which is taller and more slender than the larch, will distinguish this species from others.
[Illustration: FIG. 18.--Cypress "Knees."]
Leaf: The leaves drop off in October, though the tree is of the cone-bearing kind. In this respect it is like the larch.
Form and size: Tall and pyramidal.
Range: The cypress is a southern tree, but is found under cultivation in parks and on lawns in northern United States.
Soil and location: Grows naturally in swamps, but will also do well in ordinary well-drained, good soil. In its natural habitat it sends out special roots above water. These are known as "cypress knees" (Fig. 18) and serve to provide air to the submerged roots of the tree.
Enemies: None of importance.
Value for planting: An excellent tree for park and lawn planting.
Commercial value: The wood is light, soft, and easily worked. It is used for general construction, interior finish, railroad ties, posts and cooperage.
Other characters: The bark is thin and scaly. The fruit is a cone about an inch in diameter. The general color of the tree is a dull, deep green which, however, turns orange brown in the fall.
Comparisons: The cypress and the larch are apt to be confused, especially in the winter, when the leaves of both have dropped. The cypress is more slender and is taller in form. The leaves of each are very different, as will be seen from the accompanying illustrations.

GROUP V. THE HORSECHESTNUT, ASH AND MAPLE
How to tell them from other trees: The horsechestnut, ash, and maple have their branches and buds arranged on their stems *opposite* each other as shown in Figs. 20, 22 and 24. In other trees, this arrangement is *alternate*, as shown in Fig. 19.
How to tell these three from each other. If the bud is large--an inch to an inch and a half long--dark brown, and sticky, it is a horsechestnut.
If the bud is not sticky, much smaller, and rusty brown to black in color, and the ultimate twigs, of an olive green color, are flattened at points below the buds, it is an ash.
[Illustration: FIG. 19.--Alternate Branching (Beech.)]
If it is not a horsechestnut nor an ash and its small buds have many scales covering them, the specimen with branches and buds opposite must then be a maple. Each of the maples has one character which distinguishes it from all the other maples. For the sugar maple, this distinguishing character is the sharp point of the bud. For the silver maple it is the bend in the terminal twig. For the red maple it is the smooth gray-colored bark. For the Norway maple it is the reddish brown color of the full, round bud, and for the box elder it is the greenish color of its terminal twig.
The form of the tree and the leaves are also characteristic in each of the maples, but for the beginner who does not wish to be burdened with too many of these facts at one time, those just enumerated will be found most certain and most easily followed.
[Illustration: FIG. 20.--Opposite Branching (Horsechestnut.)]
THE HORSECHESTNUT (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Distinguishing characters: The *sticky* nature of the *terminal bud* and its *large size* (about an inch long). The bud is dark brown in color. See Fig. 20.
Leaf: Five to seven leaflets, usually seven. Fig. 21.
Form and size: Medium-sized tree, pyramidal head and coarse twigs.
Range: Europe and eastern United States.
Soil and location: Prefers a deep, rich soil.
Enemies: The leaves are the favorite food of caterpillars and are subject to a blight which turns them brown prematurely. The trunk is often attacked by a disease which causes the flow of a slimy substance.
Value for planting: On account of its showy flowers, the horsechestnut is a favorite for the park and lawn.
Commercial value: The wood is not durable and is not used commercially.
Other characters: The flowers appear in large white clusters in May and June. The fruit is large, round, and prickly.
[Illustration: FIG. 21.--Leaf of the Horsechestnut.]
Comparisons: The red horsechestnut differs from this tree in having red flowers. The buckeye is similar to the horsechestnut, but its bud is not sticky and is of a lighter gray color, while the leaf generally has only five leaflets.
THE WHITE ASH (Fraxinus americana)
Distinguishing characters: The terminal *twigs* of glossy olive green color are *flattened* below the bud. Fig. 22. The bud is rusty-brown.
[Illustration: FIG. 22.--Twig of White Ash.]
Leaf: Five to nine leaflets. Fig. 23.
Form and size: A large