Family - Rosaceae

Stems - No info yet.

Winter twig.

Bark.

Leaves - No info yet.

Bud in winter.

Inflorescence - No info yet.

Flowers - No info yet.

Flowering - March - May.

Habitat - Open rocky woods, bluffs, borders of glades, typically in well drained soil.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - This striking tree can be found throughout Missouri but is apparently absent from the "bootheel" counties and a few counties in the northwest corner of the state. The plant is one of the first woodland understory trees to bloom in the spring and its large masses of white flowers are hard to miss. The smooth gray bark and spreading trunks of the tree make it easy to identify in the field.
The plant produces a small berry which is edible. Native Americans used the fruits to make bread. The heartwood of this species is very hard and can be used for tool handles and other turned objects.

Photographs taken at Whetstone Creek Conservation Area, Callaway County, MO., 2-19-04, and at Dave Rock Conservation Area, St. Clair County, MO., 4-3-04.