Part 12

The Willow family, which includes also the Poplars, comprises about 200 species, a large proportion of which are distributed in temperate and arctic zones. Several shrubby species extend far into the arctic regions.

On the whole this family is not important commercially, but with the disappearance of the more valuable kinds of trees the rapid-growing and easily-propagated Willows and Poplars are receiving more attention.

The 2 genera belonging to this family are given below:

=Salix=, (page 51).—This genus comprises no fewer than 175 known species, 100 of which are native to North America. The following species are reported from West Virginia: S. nigra, Marsh., S. amygdaloides, Aud., S. discolor, Muhl., S. humilis, Marsh., S. cericea, Marsh. and S. cordata, Muhl. Doubtless several other species occur in the State. The task of determining the different species of Willows is one for the specialist who has devoted much time to their study. For this reason only one species, the common Black Willow of our stream banks, is described and illustrated in this bulletin. The most common introduced Willows are the well-known Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica, (L.)) and a yellow-twigged variety of the White Willow (Salix alba, var. vitellina, (L.) Koch.).

=Populus=.—The species of Poplars and Aspens number 27 of which 19 are native to North America and 3 to West Virginia. White Poplar (P. alba, (L.)) and Balm of Gilead (P. candicans, Ait.) are the principal introduced species planted in the State.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF POPULUS

Leaves broadly deltoid, acuminate, marginal teeth somewhat incurved; trees of stream banks and extensively planted along streets =P. deltoides, p. 57.=

Leaves ovate to sub-orbicular. Leaves coarsely sinuate-toothed, 3-5 inches long =P. grandidentata, p. 55.=

Leaves finely serrate, less than 3 inches long =P. tremuloides, p. 53.=

JUGLANDACEAE—THE WALNUT FAMILY

The Walnut family, with its 6 genera and 35 species, is represented in North America by 2 genera (Juglans and Carya) and 19 species. This family is a very important one, contributing much of the costliest and most durable timber as well as large quantities of edible nuts. The wood of Black Walnut is especially adapted to fine cabinet work and that of the Hickories to the manufacture of vehicles, handles, etc., where strength and flexibility are desired.

=Juglans=.—The 15 species comprising this genus are found principally in the north temperate zone. Five species are native to North America and two are found in West Virginia. The English Walnut (Juglans regia, (L.)) which has been introduced and widely planted in the United States yields the valuable Circassian Walnut woods used in the manufacture of fine furniture as well as the walnuts sold in our markets.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF JUGLANS

Leaflets 11-17, often viscid-hairy; pith chocolate-brown; fruit elongated, sticky-hairy =J. cinerea, p. 59.=

Leaflets 13-23, not viscid-hairy; pith cream-colored; fruit globose, not sticky-hairy =J. nigra, p. 61.=

=Carya=.—The Hickory species number about 10, all of which are native to that part of North America lying east of the Rock mountains. At least 5 of these are found in West Virginia. Carya microcarpa, Nutt., not described herein is reported from Fayette County.

The Pecan Hickory (Carya illinoencis (Wang.) K. K.), a southern species prized for its nuts, is occasionally planted.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CARYA

a. Bark of trunk not deeply furrowed or shaggy; husk of fruit less than ⅛ inch thick.

Leaflets usually 5-7, glabrous beneath; the upper 2-2½ inches broad; kernel of nut sweet =C. glabra, p. 69.=

Leaflets usually 7-11, somewhat downy beneath, the upper 1-1½ inches broad; kernel of nut bitter =C. cordiformis, p. 71.=

a. Bark of trunk deeply furrowed or shaggy; husk of fruit more than ⅛ inch thick.

Leaflets 5-7, scurfy or pubescent; bark rough but not shaggy; buds densely hairy =C. alba, p. 67.=

Leaflets usually 7; nuts 1¼-2 inches long, pointed at both ends, dull white; bark shaggy =C. laciniosa, p. 65.=

Leaflets usually 5; nuts smaller, rounded or notched at the base, white, thin-shelled; bark shaggy =C. ovata, p. 63.=

BETULACEAE—THE BIRCH FAMILY

The 6 genera and about 75 species belonging to this family are principally confined to the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere. In North America there are 5 genera and about 30 species, of which the 5 genera and at least 9 species grow in West Virginia. The Common Hazelnut (Corylus americana, Walt.) and the Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus rostrata, Ait.) are both common shrubs of the State. The Smooth Alder (Alnus rugosa, (DuRoi) Spreng.) and the Hoary Alder (Alnus incana, (L.) Moench.) are both to be found, the former abundant along our streams, and the latter rare in upland swamps. Alnus alnobetula (Ehrh.) K K. is also reported from Greenbrier, Fayette, and Randolph counties.

This family produces products of great value. The wood of Birches is used extensively for furniture and interior finish, and for fuel. Black Birch supplies a volatile oil of considerable importance. The wood of some of the Alders is becoming valuable on account of its use in the manufacture of gunpowder, and the fruits of the Hazelnuts bring a good price on the market. The following are our tree genera: