Leaf with many small, sharp-pointed teeth White flowers or purple fruit This “typical” sea-beach shrub is well known. Its fruit has long been used for “Beach Plum preserve,” a New England favorite. The plums may be collected in late summer. Beach Plum is reasonably common on the back side of Crane’s Beach, high on the dunes. It is often twisted and gnarled from exposure to the winds. [Illustration: Poison Ivy] Poison Ivy (_Rhus radicans_) Three shiny leaflets Small, white, waxy berries Generally found twisting around another plant One must admire Poison Ivy. It apparently can live anywhere and survive anything. Beware—for it occurs in patches on the beach. It is very poisonous to the touch, and the best course is to wash thoroughly with a strong soap if you come into contact with it. Some of the worst cases of ivy poisoning may originate at the beach just because people don’t expect to find it here. _Trees of the Dunes_ [Illustration: Black Cherry] Black Cherry (_Prunus serotina_) Leaves finely toothed Twigs bitter when chewed Black cherries in hanging clusters Cherries are usually considered lovers of rich soils, but this member of the family is quite common on the dunes. It is always contorted here, and frequently diseased, but still it survives. Generally it is found with large swellings on the branches caused by the black cherry knot fungus, since it is highly susceptible to this infection. The cherries are edible, and you may or may not enjoy them. Try one and see. [Illustration: Quaking Aspen] Quaking Aspen (_Populus tremuloides_) Broad, heart-shaped leaves Stem of leaf is flat; leaf shakes easily Smooth gray or yellow-green bark The Aspen thrives in sunlight and dry soil. It grows and dies quickly. It is called a “Quaking” Aspen because its flattened leaf stems allow its leaves to shake even in the gentlest breeze. It is often called a Poplar tree, or just “Popple.” [Illustration: Pitch Pine] Pitch Pine (_Pinus rigida_) Evergreen; with needles Needles grouped in bunches of three Pine cones under 3″ in length This picturesque pine grows well in sterile soil. It is small, gnarled, contorted, and of little commercial value. It serves a twofold purpose here—anchoring the soil and supplying seeds for a great variety of birds and animals. AIDS FOR YOUR INVESTIGATION These are the most common plants of the dunes and beach. Any careful search will disclose many others not described. You will have to consult one of the reference books listed below for their identification.