COMMON NAMES. Fringe Tree, Poison Ash.
    MEDICINAL PART. Bark of the root.
    Description. -- This is a shrub or small tree, growing from eight to twenty-five feet high. The leaves are opposite, oval, oblong, veiny, and smooth; flowers are in dense panicles; calyx very small; corolla snow-white, consisting of four petals; and fruit a fleshy, oval, purple drupe.
    History. -- This plant is very ornamental, and is much cultivated in gardens, from Pennsylvania to Tennessee. It grows on river-banks and on elevated places, presenting clusters of snow-white flowers in May and June. The bark of the root, which imparts its properties to water or alcohol, is the part used.
    Properties and Uses. -- The bark is aperient, alterative, and diuretic, with some narcotic properties. An infusion is recommended for bilious, typhoid, and intermittent fevers. To convalescents who are suffering from the effects of exhaustive diseases it is an excellent tonic and restorative. It can be used to advantage as a poultice for ulcers, wounds, and external inflammations.
    Dose. -- Of the infusion, from the half a fluid ounce to two fluid ounces, repeated several times through the day, according to the influence it exerts upon the system.