American medicinal barks

A concise, early‑twentieth‑century guide to the bark‑derived medicines of North America, this bulletin compiles the official and many lesser‑known sources used by physicians, pharmacists, and curious collectors of the era. It surveys thirty‑five plant species, offering clear descriptions of their botanical characteristics, traditional applications, and the chemical traits that earned them a place in the United States Pharmacopeia. Detailed line drawings accompany each entry, capturing leaves, cones, trunks and fruit so listeners can picture the raw material as it appears in the field.

The work reflects the meticulous research of the USDA’s Bureau of Plant Industry, presenting the information with a blend of scientific rigor and practical advice. Readers will discover the historical context of remedies such as slippery elm, sassafras and witch‑hazel, while gaining a useful reference for identifying and understanding the therapeutic potential of these native trees and shrubs. It serves both as a snapshot of early botanical medicine and a handy resource for anyone interested in plant‑based healing.