Chapter VII: The Growing of the Ornamental Plants—the Classes of Plants, and Lists (3)

In the planting of any kind of trees or shrubs, it is well to remember that nursery-grown specimens generally transplant more readily and thrive better than trees taken from the wild; and this is particularly true if the stock was transplanted in the nursery. Trees that transplant with difficulty, as the papaw or asimina, and some nut trees, may be prepared for removal by cutting some of their roots—and especially the tap-root, if they have such—a year or two in advance.

XIII. The pageant of summer. XIII. The pageant of summer. Gardens of C. W. Dowdeswell, England, from a painting by Miss Parsons. For permission to reproduce the above picture we are indebted to the kindness of Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Seed Merchants, Reading, England, the owners of the copyright, who published it in their Amateur’s Guide in Horticulture for 1909.

It is ordinarily best to plow or spade the entire area in which the shrubs are to be set. For a year or two the ground should be tilled between the shrubs, either by horse tools or by hoes and rakes. If the place looks bare, seeds of quick-growing flowers may be scattered about the edges of the mass, or herbaceous perennials may be used.

The larger shrubs, as lilacs and syringas, may be set about 4 feet apart; but the smaller ones should be set about 2 feet apart if it is desired to secure an immediate effect. If after a few years the mass becomes too crowded, some of the specimens may be removed (*p. 76).

Throw the shrubs into an irregular plantation, not in rows, and make the inner edge of the mass more or less undulating and broken.

It is a good practice to mulch the plantation each fall with light manure, leaf mold, or other material. Even though the shrubs are perfectly hardy, this mulch greatly improves the land and promotes growth. After the shrub borders have become two or three years old, the drifting leaves of fall will be caught therein and will be held as a mulch (p. 82).

When the shrubs are first planted, they are headed back one half or more (Fig. 45); but after they are established they are not to be sheared, but allowed to take their own way, and after a few years the outermost ones will droop and meet the green*-sward (*pp. 25, 26).

Many rapid-growing trees may be utilized as shrubs by cutting them off near the ground every year, or every other year, and allowing young shoots to grow. Basswood, black ash, some of the maples, tulip tree, mulberry, ailanthus, paulownia, magnolias, _Acer campestre_, and others may be treated in this way (Fig. 50).

Nearly all shrubs bloom in spring or early summer. If kinds blooming late in summer or in fall are desired, they maybe looked for in baccharis, caryopteris, cephalanthus, clethra, hamamelis, hibiscus, hydrangea, hypericum, lespedeza, rhus _(R. Cotinus), Sambucus Canadensis_ in midsummer, tamarisk.

Plants that bloom in very early spring (not mentioning such as birches, alders, and hazels) may be found in amelanchier, cydonia, daphne, dirca, forsythia, cercis (in tree list), benzoin, lonicera _(L. fragrantissima_), salix (_S. discolor_ and other pussy willows), shepherdia.

Shrubs bearing conspicuous berries, pods, and the like, that persist in fall or winter may be found in the genera berberis (particularly _B. Thunbergii_), colutea, corylus, cratægus, euonymus, ilex, physocarpus, ostrya, ptelea, pyracantha (Plate XIX) pyrus, rhodotypos, rosa (_R. rugosa_), staphylea, symphoricarpus, viburnum, xanthoceras.

_List of shrubbery plants for the North_.

The following list of shrubs (of course not complete) comprises a selection with particular reference to southern Michigan and central New York, where the mercury sometimes falls to fifteen degrees below zero. Application is also made to Canada by designating species that have been found to be hardy at Ottawa.

The list is arranged alphabetically by the names of the genera.

The * denotes that the plant is native to North America.

The ‡ indicates species that are recommended by the Central Experimental Farms, Ottawa, Ontario.

It is often difficult to determine whether a group should be listed among shrubs or trees. Sometimes the plant is not quite a tree and is yet something more than a shrub or bush; sometimes the plant may be distinctly a tree in its southern range and a shrub in its northern range; sometimes the same genus or group contains both shrubs and trees. In the following genera there are doubtful cases: æsculus, alnus, amelanchier, betula, caragana, castanea, cornus (_C. florida_), cratægus, elæagnus, prunus, robinia.

Dwarf buckeye, _Æsculus parviflora (Pavia macrostachya_).* Attractive in habit, foliage, and flower; produces a large foliage mass.

Alder. Several bushy species of alder are good lawn or border subjects, particularly in wet places or along streams, as _A. viridis,* A. rugosa,* A. incana_,* and others.

June-berry, _Amelanchier Canadensis_* and others. Flowers profusely in spring before the leaves appear; some of them become small trees.

Azalea, _Azalea viscosa_* and _A. nudiflora_.* Require partial shade, and a woodsy soil.

Japanese azalea, _A. mollis_ (or _A. Sinensis_). Showy red and yellow or orange flowers; hardy north.

Groundsel tree, “white myrtle,” _Baccharis halimifolia_.* Native on the Atlantic seashore, but grows well when planted inland; valuable for its white fluffy “bloom” (pappus) in latest fall; 4-10 ft.

Spice-bush, _Benzoin odoriferum (Lindera Benzoin_*). Very early-blooming bush of wet places, the yellow, clustered, small flowers preceding the leaves; 6–10 ft.

Barberry, _Berberis vulgaris_. Common barberry; 4-6 ft. The purple-leaved form (var. _purpurea_‡) is popular.

Thunberg’s barberry, _B. Thunbergii_.‡ One of the best of lawn and border shrubs, with compact and attractive habit, deep red autumn foliage and bright scarlet berries in profusion in fall and winter; excellent for low hedges; 2-4 ft.

Mahonia, _Berberis Aquifolium_.*‡ Evergreen; needs some protection in exposed places; 1-3 ft.

Dwarf birch, _Betula pumila_.* Desirable for low places; 3-10 ft.

Box, _Buxus sempervirens_. An evergreen shrub, useful for hedges and edgings in cities; several varieties, some of them very dwarf. See page 220.

Carolina allspice, sweet-scented shrub, _Calycanthus floridus_.* Dull purple, very fragrant flowers; 3-8 ft.

Siberian pea-tree, _Caragana arborescens_.‡ Flowers pea-like, yellow, in May; very hardy; 10-15 feet.

Small pea-tree, _C. pygmœa_. Very small, 1-3 ft, but sometimes grafted on _C. arborescens_.

Shrubby pea-tree, _C. frutescens_.‡ Flowers larger than those of _C. arborescens_; 3–10 ft.

Large-flowered pea-tree, _C. grandiflora_.‡ Larger-flowered than the last, which it resembles; 4 ft.

Blue spirea, _Caryopteris Mastacanthus_. Flowers bright blue, in late summer and fall; 2-4 ft., but is likely to die to ground in winter.

Chinquapin or dwarf chestnut, _Castanea pumila_.* Becomes a small tree, but usually bushy.

Ceanothus, _Ceanothus Americanus_.* A very small native shrub, desirable for dry places under trees; 2-3 ft. There are many good European garden forms of ceanothus, but not hardy in the northern states.

Button-bush, _Cephalanthus occidentalis_.* Blossoms in July and August; desirable for water-courses and other low places; 4-10 ft.

Fringe tree, _Chionanthus Virginica_.* Shrub as large as lilac, or becoming tree-like, with fringe-like white flowers in spring.

White alder, _Clethra alnifolia_.* A very fine, hardy shrub, producing very fragrant flowers in July and August; should be better known; 4-10 ft.

Bladder senna, _Colutea arborescens_. Pea-like yellowish flowers in June, and big inflated pods; 8-12 ft.

European osier, _Cornus alba_ (known also as _C. Sibirica_ and _C. Tatarica_). Branches deep red; 4-8 ft.; the variegated form ‡ has leaves edged white.

Bailey’s osier, _Cornus Baileyi_.* Probably the finest of the native osiers for color of twigs and foliage; 5-8 ft.

Red-twigged osier, _Cornus stolonifera_.* The red twigs are very showy in winter; 5 to 8 ft.; some bushes are brighter in color than others.

Flowering dogwood, _C. florida_.* Very showy tree or big shrub, desirable for borders of groups and belts. A red-flowered variety is on the market.

Cornelian Cherry, _Cornus Mas_. Becoming a small tree, 15-20 ft.; flowers numerous in bunches, yellow, before the leaves; fruit, cherry-like, edible, red.

Hazel or filbert, _Corylus maxima_ var. _purpurea_. A well-known purple-leaved shrub, usually catalogued as _C. Avellana purpurea_. The eastern American species (_C. Americana_* and _C. rostrata_*) are also interesting.

Cotoneaster. Several species of cotoneaster are suitable for cultivation in the middle and southern latitudes. They are allied to cratægus. Some are evergreen. Some kinds bear handsome persistent fruits.

Wild thorns, _Cratœgus punctata_,* _C. coccinea_,*‡ _C. Crus-galli_,*‡ and others. The native thorn apples or hawthorns, of numerous species, are amongst our best large shrubs for planting and should be much better known; 6-20 ft.

Japanese quince, _Cydonia_ (or _Pyrus_) _Japonica_. An old favorite blooming in earliest spring, in advance of the leaves; not hardy at Lansing, Mich.; 4-5 ft.

Maule’s Japanese quince, _C. Maulei_.‡ Bright red; fruit handsome; hardier than _C. Japonica_; 1-3 ft.

Daphne, _Daphne Mezereum_. Produces rose-purple or white flowers in abundance in earliest spring before the leaves appear. Should be planted on the edges of groups; leaves deciduous; 1-4 ft.

Garland flower, _D. Cneorum_.‡ Pink flowers in very early spring and again in autumn; leaves evergreen; 1-1/2 ft.

Deutzia, _Deutzia scabra_ (or _crenata_) and varieties. Standard shrubs; the variety “Pride of Rochester,” with pinkish flowers, is perhaps the best form for the North; 4-6 ft. Of this and the next there are forms with ornamental foliage.

Small deutzia, _D. gracilis_. Very close little bush, with pure white flowers; 2-3 ft.

Lemoine’s deutzia, _D. Lemoinei_. A hybrid, very desirable; 1-3 ft.

Weigela, _Diervilla Japonica_ and other species. Free bloomers, very fine, in many colors, 4-6 ft.; the forms known as _Candida,‡ rosea_,‡ _Sieboldii variegata_,‡ are hardy and good.

Leatherwood, _Dirca palustris_.* If well grown, the leatherwood makes a very neat plant; blossoms appear before the leaves, but not showy; 4-6 ft.

Russian olive, oleaster, _Elœagnus angustifolia_.‡ Foliage silvery white; very hardy; becoming a small tree, 15-20 ft.

Wolf-willow, _E. argentea_.*‡ Large and silvery leaves; suckers badly; 8-12 ft.

Goumi, _E. longipes_ (sometimes called _E. edulis_). Attractive spreading bush, with handsome edible cranberry-like berries; 5-6 ft.

Burning-bush, _Euonymus atropurpureus_.* Very attractive in fruit; 8-12 ft., or even becoming tree-like.

Several other species are in cultivation, some of them evergreen. In the North, success may be expected with _E. Europœus_ (sometimes a small tree), _E. alatus, E. Bungeanus, E. latifolius_, and perhaps others.

Exochorda, _Exochorda grandiflora_. A large and very showy shrub, producing a profusion of apple-like white flowers in early spring; 6-12 ft; allied to the spireas.

Forsythia, _Forsythia viridissima_. Blossoms yellow, appearing before the leaves; requires protection in many places North; 6-10 ft.

Drooping forsythia, _F. suspensa_. Makes an attractive mass on a bank or border; 6-12 ft.

Dyer’s weed, _Genista tinctoria_.‡

Yellow pea-like flowers in June; 1-3 ft.

Silver-bell tree, _Halesia tetraptera_.*

Bell-shaped white flowers in May; 8-10 ft.

Witch hazel, _Hamamelis Virginiana_.*

Blossoms in October and November; unique and desirable if well grown; 8-12 ft.

Althea, Rose of Sharon, _Hibiscus Syriacus_ (_Althœa frutex_).

In many forms, purple, red, and white, and perhaps the best of late summer-blooming shrubs; 8-12 ft.

Hydrangea, _Hydrangea paniculata_, var. _grandiflora_.‡

One of the best and most showy small flowering shrubs; 4-10 ft.

Downy hydrangea, _H. radiata_.*

Attractive in both foliage and flower.

Oak-leaved hydrangea, _H. quercifolia_.*

This is especially valuable for its luxuriant foliage; even if killed to the ground in winter, it is still worth cultivating for its strong shoots.

The greenhouse hydrangea (_H. hortensis_ in many forms) may be used as an outdoor subject in the South.

St. John’s wort, _Hypericum Kalmianum,*‡ H. prolificum,_* and _H. Moserianum._

Small undershrubs, producing bright yellow flowers in profusion in July and August; 2-4 ft.

Winter-berry, _Ilex verticillata_.*‡

Produces showy red berries, that persist through the winter; should be massed in rather low ground; flowers imperfect; 6-8 ft.

The evergreen hollies are not suitable for cultivation in the North; but in the warmer latitudes, the American holly (_Ilex opaca_), English holly (_I. Aquifolium_), and Japanese holly (_I. crenata_) may be grown. There are several native species.

Mountain laurel, _Kalmia latifolia_.*

One of the best shrubs in cultivation, evergreen, 5-10 ft., or even becoming a small tree south; usually profits by partial shade; thrives in a peaty or loamy rather loose soil, and said to be averse to limestone and clay; extensively transferred from the wild for landscape effects in large private places; should thrive as far north as it grows wild.

Kerria, corchorus, _Kerria Japonica_. A bramble-like shrub, producing attractive yellow single or double flowers from July until September; twigs very green in winter. There is a variegated-leaved form. Good for banks and borders; 2-3 ft.

Sand myrtle, _Leiophyllum buxifolium_.* Evergreen, more or less procumbent; 2-3 ft.

Lespedeza, _Lespedeza bicolor_.‡ Reddish or purple small flowers in late summer and fall; 4-8 ft.

Lespedeza, _L. Sieboldii_ (_Desmodium penduliflorum_).‡ Rose-purple large flowers in fall; killed to the ground in winter, but it blooms the following year; 4-5 ft.

Lespedeza, _L. Japonica_ (_Desmodium Japonicum_). Flowers white, later than those of _L. Sieboldii_; springs up from the root.

Privet, _Ligustrum vulgare, L. ovalifolium_ (_L. Californicum_), and _L. Amurense._‡ Much used for low hedges and borders; 4-12 ft.; several other species.

Tartarian honeysuckle, _Lonicera Tatarica_.‡ One of the most chaste and comely of shrubs; 6-10 ft.; pink-flowered; several varieties.

Regel’s honeysuckle, _L. spinosa_ (_L. Alberti_).‡ Blooms a little later than above, pink; 2-4 ft.

Fragrant honeysuckle, _L. fragrantissima_. Flowers exceedingly fragrant, preceding leaves; 2-6 ft.; one of the earliest things to bloom in spring. There are other upright honeysuckles, all interesting.

Mock-orange (Syringa incorrectly), _Philadelphus coronarius_.‡ In many forms and much prized; 6-12 ft. Other species are in cultivation, but the garden nomenclature is confused. The forms known as _P. speciosus, P. grandiflorus_, and var. _speciosissimus_‡ are good; also the species _P. pubescens_,* _P. Gordonianus_,* and _P. microphyllus,_* the last being dwarf, with small white very fragrant flowers.

Nine-bark, _Physocarpus opulifolius_ (_Spiræa opulifolia_).* A good vigorous hardy bush, with clusters of interesting pods following the flowers; the var. _aurea_ ‡ is one of the best yellow-leaved shrubs; 6-10 ft.

Andromeda, _Pieris floribunda_.*

A small ericaceous evergreen; should have some protection from the winter sun; for this purpose, it may be planted on the north side of a clump of trees; 2-6ft.

Shrubby cinquefoil, _Potentilla fruticosa_.*‡

Foliage ashy; flowers yellow, in June; 2-4 ft.

Sand cherry, _Prunus pumila_* and _P. Besseyi_.*

The sand cherry of sandy shores grows 5-8 ft.; the western sand cherry (_P. Besseyi_) is more spreading and is grown for its fruit. The European dwarf cherry (_P. fruticosa_) is 2-4 ft., with white flowers in umbels.

Flowering almond, _Prunus Japonica_.

In its double-flowered form, familiar for its early bloom; 3-5 ft; often grafted on other stocks, which are liable to sprout and become troublesome.

Hop-tree, _Ptelea trifoliata_.*

Very interesting when bearing its roundish winged fruits; 8-10 ft., but becoming larger and tree-like.

Buckthorn, _Rhamnus cathartica_.

Much used for hedges; 8-12 ft.

Alpine buckthorn, _R. alpina_.

Foliage attractive; 5-6 ft.

Rhododendron, _Rhododendron Catawbiense_* and garden varieties.

Hardy in well-adapted locations, 3-8 ft., and higher in its native regions.

Great laurel, _R. maximum_*

A fine species for mass planting, native as far north as southern Canada. Extensively transplanted from the wild.

White kerria, _Rhodotypos kerrioides_.

White flowers in May and blackish fruit; 3-5 ft.

Smoke-tree (Fringe-tree erroneously), _Rhus Cotinus_.

One of the best shrubs for massing; two colors are grown; the billowy “bloom,” holding late in the season, is composed of flower stems rather than flowers; size of large lilac bushes.

Dwarf sumac, _R. copallina_.*

Attractive in foliage, and especially conspicuous in autumn from the brilliant red of its leaves; 3-5 ft., sometimes much taller.

Sumac, smooth and hairy, _R. glabra_* and _R. typhina_.*

Useful for the borders of large groups and belts. They may be cut down every year and allowed to sprout (as in Fig. 50). The young tops are handsomest. _R. glabra_ is the finer species for this purpose. They usually grow 10-15 ft. tall.

Osbeck’s sumac, _R. semialata_ var. _Osbeckii_.

Strong bush, 10-20 ft., with leaf-rachis strongly winged, the foliage pinnately compound.

Flowering, or fragrant currant, _Ribes aureum_.*‡

Well known and popular, for its sweet-scented yellow flowers in May; 5-8 ft.

Red-flowering currant, _R. sanguineum_.*

Flowers red and attractive; 5-6 ft. _R. Gordonianum_, recommendable, is a hybrid between _R. sanguineum_ and _R. aureum_.

Rose acacia, _Robinia hispida_.*‡

Very showy in bloom; 8-10ft.

Roses, _Rosa_, various species.

Hardy roses are not always desirable for the lawn. For general lawn purposes the older sorts, single or semi-double, and which do not require high culture, are to be preferred. It is not intended to include here the common garden roses; see Chapter VIII for these. It is much to be desired that the wild roses receive more attention from planters. Attention has been too exclusively taken by the highly improved garden roses.

Japanese rose, _Rosa rugosa_.‡

Most excellent for lawn planting, as the foliage is thick and not attacked by insects (Fig. 263); white and pink flowered forms; 4-6 ft.

Wild swamp rose, _R. Carolina_.* 5-8 ft.

Wild dwarf rose, _R. humilis_* (_R. lucida_ of Michigan). This and other wild dwarf roses, 3-6 ft., may be useful in landscape work.

Say’s Rose, _R. acicularis_ var. _Sayi_.* Excellent for lawns; 4-5 ft.

Red-leaved rose, _R. ferruginea (R. rubrifolia_).‡ Excellent foliage; flowers single, pink; 5-6 ft.

Japanese bramble, _Rubus cratægifolius_. Valuable for holding banks; spreads rapidly; very red in winter; 3-4 ft.

Flowering raspberry, mulberry (erroneously), _R. odoratus_* Attractive when well grown and divided frequently to keep it fresh; there is a whitish form; 3-4 ft.

Japanese wineberry, _R. phaenicolasius_. Attractive foliage and red hairy canes; fruit edible; 3-5 ft.

Kilmarnock willow, _Salix Capraea_, var. _pendula_. A small weeping plant grafted on a tall trunk; usually more curious than ornamental.

Rosemary willow, _S. rosmarinifolia_‡ of nurserymen _(R. incana_ properly). 6-10 ft.

Shining willow, _S. lucida_.* Very desirable for the edges of water; 6-12 ft.

Long-leaved willow, _S. interior_.* Our narrowest-leaved native willow; useful for banks; liable to spread too rapidly; 8-12ft.

Fountain willow, _S. purpurea_. Attractive foliage and appearance, particularly if cut back now and then to secure new wood; excellent for holding springy banks; 10-20 ft.

Pussy willow, _S. discolor_* Attractive when massed at some distance from the residence; 10-15 ft.

Laurel-leaved willow, _S. pentandra (S. laurifolia_ of cultivators)‡ See under Trees, p. 329. Many of the native willows might well be cultivated.

Elders, _Sambucus pubens_* and _S. Canadensis_.* The former, the common “red elder,” is ornamental both in flower and fruit. _S. Canadensis_ is desirable for its profusion of fragrant flowers appearing in July; the former is 6–7 ft. high and the latter 8-10 ft. Golden-leaved elder, _S. nigra_ var. _foliis aureis_,‡ and also the cut-leaved elder, are desirable forms of the European species; 5-15 ft.

Buffalo-berry, _Shepherdia argentea_* Silvery foliage; attractive and edible berries; 10-15 ft., often tree-like.

Shepherdia, _S. Canadensis_.* Spreading bush, 3–8 ft., with attractive foliage and fruit.

Early spirea, _Spiræa arguta_.‡ One of the earliest bloomers among the spireas; 2-4 ft.

Three-lobed spirea, bridal wreath, _S. Van Houttei_.‡ One of the most showy early-flowering shrubs; excellent for massing; blooms a little later than the above; 3-6 ft.

Sorbus-leaved spirea, _S. sorbifolia (Sorbaria sorbifolid_).‡ Desirable for its late blooming,—late June and early July; 4-5 ft.

Plum-leaved spirea, _S. prunifolia_.

Fortune’s spirea, _S. Japonica (S. callosa_),‡ 2 to 4 ft.

Thunberg’s spirea, _S. Thunbergii_. Neat and attractive in habit; useful for border-hedges; 3-5 ft.

St. Peter’s Wreath, _S. hypericifolia_; 4-5 ft.

Round-leaved spirea, _S. bracteata_.‡ Follows Van Houttei; 3-6 ft.

Douglas’ spirea, _S. Douglasii_.* Blossoms late,—in July; 4-8 ft.

Hard-hack, _S. tomentosa_.* Much like the last, but less showy; 3-4 ft.

Willow-leaved spirea, _S. salicifolia_.*‡ Blooms late; 4-5 ft.

Bladder-nut, _Staphylea trifolia_* Well-known rather coarse native shrub; 6-12 ft.

Colchican bladder-nut, _S. Colchica_. Good early flowering shrub; 6-12 ft.

Styrax, _Styrax Japonica_. One of the most graceful of flowering shrubs, producing fragrant flowers in early summer; 8-10 ft. or more.

Snow-berry, _Symphoricarpos racemosus_.*‡ Cultivated for its snow-white berries, that hang in autumn and early winter; 3-5 ft.

Indian currant, _S. vulgaris_.‡ Foliage delicate; berries red; valuable for shady places and against walls; 4-5 ft.

Common lilac, _Syringa vulgaris_.‡ (The name syringa is commonly misapplied to the species of _Philadelphus_.) The standard spring-blooming shrub in the North; 8-15 ft.; many forms.

Josika lilac, _S. Josikaeca_.‡ Blooming about a week later than S. _vulgaris_; 8-10 ft.

Persian lilac, _S. Persica_. More spreading and open bush than _S. vulgaris_; 6-10 ft.

Japanese lilac, _S. Japonica_.‡ Blooms about one month later than common lilac; 15-20 ft.

Rouen lilac, _S. Chinensis_ (or _Rothomagensis_)‡ Blooms with the common lilac; flowers more highly colored than those of _S. Persica_; 5-12 ft.

Chinese lilacs, _S. oblata_‡ and _villosa_.‡ The former 10-15 ft. and blooming with common lilac; the latter 4-6 ft., and blooming few days later.

Tamarisk, _Tamarix_ of several species, particularly (for the North) _T. Chinensis, T. Africana_ (probably the garden forms under this name are all _T. parviflora_), and _T. hispida (T. Kashgarica_).

All odd shrubs or small trees with very fine foliage, and minute pink flowers in profusion.

Common snowball, _Viburnum Opulus_.*‡ The cultivated snowball ‡ is a native of the Old World; but the species grows wild in this country (known as High-bush Cranberry),‡ and is worthy of cultivation; 6-10 ft.

Japanese snowball, _V. tomentosum_ (catalogued as _V. plicatum_). 6-10 ft.

Wayfaring tree, _V. Lantana_.‡ Fruit ornamental; 8-12 ft., or more.

Plum-leaved haw, _V. prunifolium_.*‡ Leaves smooth and glossy; 8-15 ft.

Sweet viburnum or sheep-berry, _Viburnum Lentago_.* Tall coarse bush, or becoming a small tree.

Arrow-wood, _V. dentatum_.* Usually 5-8 ft., but becoming taller.

Dockmackie, _V. acerifolium_.* Maple-like foliage; 4-5 ft.

Withe-rod, lilac viburnum, _V. cassinoides.* 2-5_ ft. Other native and exotic viburnums are desirable.

Xanthoceras, _Xanthoceras sorbifolia_. Allied to the buckeyes; hardy in parts of New England; 8–10ft.; handsome.

Prickly ash, _Zanthoxylum Americanum_.*

_Shrubs for the South_.

Many of the shrubs in the preceding catalogue are also well adapted to the southeastern states. The following brief list includes some of the most recommendable kinds for the region south of Washington, although some of them are hardy farther North. The asterisk * denotes that the plant is native to this country.

The crape myrtle _(Lagerstrœmia Indica_) is to the South what the lilac is to the North, a standard dooryard shrub; produces handsome red (or blush or white) flowers all summer; 8-12 feet.

Reliable deciduous shrubs for the South are: althea, _Hibiscus Syriacus,_ in many forms; _Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis; Azalea calendulacea,* mollis_, and the Ghent azalea _(A. Pontica)_; blue spirea, _Caryopteris Mastacanihus_; European forms of ceanothus; French mulberry, _Callicarpa Americana_*; calycanthus*; flowering willow, _Chilopsis linearis_*; fringe, _Chionanthus Virginica_*; white alder, _Clethra alnifolia_*; corchorus, _Kerria Japonica;_ deutzias, of several kinds; goumi, _Elœagnus longipes_; pearl bush, _Exochorda grandiflora_; Japan quince, _Cydonia Japonica;_ golden-bell, _Forsythia viridissima_; broom, _Spartium junceum;_ hydrangeas, including _H. Otaksa_, grown under cover in the North; _Jasminum nudiflorum_; bush honey suckles; mock orange, _Philadelphus coronarius_ and _grandiflorus_*; pomegranate; white kerria, _Rhodotypos kerrioides_; smoke tree, _Rhus Cotinus;_ rose locust, _Robinia hispida_*; spireas of several kinds; _Stuartia pentagyna_*; snowberry, _Symphoricarpos racemosus_*; lilacs of many kinds; viburnums of several species, including the European and Japanese snowballs; weigelas of the various kinds; chaste-tree, _Vitex Agnus-Castus;_ Thunberg’s barberry; red pepper, _Capsicum frutescens; Plumbago Capensis_; poinsettia.

A large number of broad-leaved evergreen shrubs thrive in the South, such as: fetter bush, _Andromeda floribunda_*; some of the palms, as palmettoes* and chamærops; cycas and zamia* far South; _Abelia grandiflora_; strawberry tree, _Arbutus Unedo;_ ardisias and aucubas, both grown under glass in the North; azaleas and rhododendrons (not only _R. Catawbiense_* but _R. maximum* R, Ponticum_, and the garden forms); _Kalmia latifolia*; Berberis Japonica_ and mahonia*; box; _Cleyera Japonica_; cotoneasters and pyracantha; eleagnus of the types grown under glass in the North; gardenias; euonymus*; hollies*; anise-tree, _Illicium anisatum_; cherry laurels, _Prunus_ or _Laurocerasus_ of several species; mock orange (of the South), _Prunus Caroliniana_* useful for hedges; true laurel or bay-tree, _Laurus nobilis_; privets of several species; _Citrus trifoliata_, specially desirable for hedges; oleanders; magnolias*; myrtle, _Myrtus communis; Osmanthus (Olea) fragrans_, a greenhouse shrub North; _Osmanthus Aquifolium_*; butcher’s broom, _Ruscus aculeatus_; phillyreas*; _Pittosporum Tobira_; shrubby yuccas*; _Viburnum Tinus_ and others; and the camellia in many forms.

XIV: Virginia creeper screen, on an old fence, with wall-flowers and hollyhocks in front. XIV: Virginia creeper screen, on an old fence, with wall-flowers and hollyhocks in front.

6. CLIMBING PLANTS

Vines do not differ particularly in their culture from other herbs and shrubs, except as they require that supports be provided; and, as they overtop other plants, they demand little room on the ground, and they may therefore be grown in narrow or unused spaces along fences and walls.

In respect to the modes of climbing, vines may be thrown into three groups,—those that twine about the support; those that climb by means of special organs, as tendrils, roots, leaf*stalks; those that neither twine nor have special organs but that scramble over the support, as the climbing roses and the brambles. One must recognize the mode of climbing before undertaking the cultivation of any vine.

Vines may also be grouped into annuals, both tender (as morning-glory) and hardy (as sweet pea); biennials, as adlumia, which are treated practically as annuals, being sown each year for bloom the next year; herbaceous perennials, the tops dying each fall down to a persisting root, as cinnamon vine and madeira vine; woody perennials (shrubs), the tops remaining alive, as Virginia creeper, grape, and wistaria.

There is scarcely a garden in which climbing plants may not be used to advantage. Sometimes it may be to conceal obtrusive objects, again to relieve the monotony of rigid lines. They may also be used to run over the ground and to conceal its nakedness where other plants could not succeed. The shrubby kinds are often useful about the borders of clumps of trees and shrubbery, to slope the foliage down to the grass, and to soften or erase lines in the landscape.

In the South and in California, great use is made of vines, not only on fences but on houses and arbors. In warm countries, vines give character to bungalows, pergolas, and other individual forms of architecture.

If it is desired that the vines climb high, the soil should be fertile; but high climbing in annual plants (as in sweet peas) may be at the expense of bloom.

The use of vines for screens and pillar decorations has increased in recent years until now they may be seen in nearly all grounds. The tendency has been towards using the hardy vines, of which the ampelopsis, or Virginia creeper, is one of the most common. This is a very rapid grower, and lends itself to training more readily than many others. The Japan ampelopsis (_A. tricuspidata_ or _Veitchii_) is a good clinging vine, growing very rapidly when once established, and brilliantly colored after the first fall frosts. It clings closer than the other, but is not so hardy. Either of these may be grown from cuttings or division of the plants.

Two recommendable woody twiners of recent distribution are the actinidia and the akebia, both from Japan. They are perfectly hardy, and are rapid growers. The former has large thick glossy leaves, not affected by insects or disease, growing thickly along the stem and branches, making a perfect thatch. It blooms in June. The flowers, which are white with a purple center, are borne in clusters, followed by round or longish edible fruits. The akebia has very neat-cut foliage, quaint purple flowers, and often bears ornamental fruit.

Of the tender vines, the nasturtiums and ipomeas and morning-glories are the most common in the North, while the adlumia, balloon vine, passion vine, gourds, and others, are frequently used. One of the best of recent introduction is the annual hop, especially the variegated variety. This is a very rapid-growing vine, seeding itself each year, and needing little care. The climbing geraniums (_Pelargonium peltatum_ and its derivatives) are much used in California. All the tender vines should be planted after danger of frost is past.

So many good vines are now on the market that one may grow a wide variety for many uses. The home gardener should keep his eyes open for the wild vines of his neighborhood and add the best of them to his collection. Most of these natives are worthy of cultivation. Even the poison ivy makes a very satisfactory cover for rough and inaccessible places in the wild, and its autumn color is very attractive; but of course its cultivation cannot be recommended.

Vines that cling closely to walls of buildings are Virginia creeper (one form does not cling well), Boston or Japanese ivy _(Ampelopsis tricuspidata_; also _A. Lowii_, with smaller foliage), English ivy, euonymus _(E. radicans_ and the var. _variegata_), and _Ficus repens_ far south; others that cling less closely are trumpet creeper, and climbing hydrangea _(Schizophragma hydrangeoides)._

Vines for trailing, or covering the ground, are periwinkle _(Vinca),_ herniaria, moneywort _(Lysimachia nummularia_), ground-ivy _(Nepeta Glechoma), Rosa Wichuraiana_, species of native greenbrier or smilax (not the so-called smilax of florists), _Rubus laciniatus_, dewberries, and also others that usually are not classed as vines. In the South, Japanese honeysuckle and Cherokee rose perform this function extensively. In California, species of mesembryanthemum (herbaceous) are extensively used as ground covers on banks. Page 86.

For quickly covering brush and rough places, the many kinds of gourds may be used; also pumpkins and squashes, watermelons, _Cucumis fœtidissima_, wild cucumbers _(Echinocystis lobata_ and _Sicyos angulata_), nasturtiums, and other vigorous annuals. Many of the woody perennials may be used for such purposes, but usually these places are only temporary.

For arbors, strong woody vines are desired. Grapes are excellent; in the South the muscadine and scuppernong grapes are adaptable to this purpose (Plate XV). Actinidia and wistaria are also used. Akebia, dutchman’s pipe, trumpet creeper, clematis, honeysuckles, may be suggested. Roses are much used in warm climates.

For covering porches, the standard vine in the North is Virginia creeper. Grapes are admirable, particularly some of the wild ones. Japan honeysuckle is much used; and it has the advantage of holding its foliage well into the winter, or even all winter southward. Actinidia, akebia, wistaria, roses, dutch-man’s pipe, and clematis are to be recommended; the large-flowered clematises, however, are more valuable for their bloom than for their foliage (_C. paniculata_, and the native species are better for covering porches).

The annual vines are mostly used as flower-garden subjects, as the sweet pea, morning-glories, mina, moonflowers, cypress vine, nasturtiums, cobea, scarlet runner. Several species of convolvulus, closely allied to the common morning-glory, have now enriched our lists. For baskets and vases the maurandia and the different kinds of thunbergias are excellent.

The moonflowers are very popular in the South, where the seasons are long enough to allow them to develop to perfection. In the North they must be started early (it is a good plan to soak or notch the seeds) and be given a warm exposure and good soil (see in Chap. VIII).

In the following lists, the plants native to the United States or Canada are marked by an asterisk *.

_Annual herbaceous climbers_. (Grown each year from seed.)

_a. Tendril-climbers_

Adlumia (biennial).*

Balloon Vine _(Cardiospermum)_.*

Cobea.

Gourds.

Nasturtiums _(Tropaeolum)._

Canary-bird Flower _(Tropaeolum peregrinum_).

Sweet pea (Fig. 265).

Wild cucumber.*

Maurandia.

Gourds or gourd-like plants, as, _Coccinia Indica_; Cucumis of several interesting species, as _C. erinaceus, grossulariœformis, odoratissimus_; dipper or bottle gourd _(Lagenaria)_;

vegetable sponge, dish-cloth gourd, rag gourd _(Luffa);_ balsam apple, balsam pear _(Momordica)_; snake gourd _(Trichosanthes)_; bryonopsis;

_Abobra viridiflora_.

All the above except sweet pea are quickly cut down by frost.

_b. Twiners_

Beans, Flowering.

Cypress vine.

Dolichos Lablab, and others.

Hop, Japanese.

Ipomcea Quamoclit (cypress vine) and others.

Moonflower, several species.

Morning-glory.

Mina lobata.

Thunbergia.

Mikania scandens.*

Butterfly pea, _Centrosema Virginiana_.*

Scarlet runner, _Phaseolus multiflorus_ (perennial South).

Velvet or banana bean, _Mucuna pruriens_ var. _utilis_ (for the South).

_Perennial herbaceous climbers_.

(The tops dying down in fall, but the root living over winter and sending up a new top.)

_a. Tendril-climbers or root-climbers_

Everlasting pea, _Lathyrus latifolius_. Clematis of various species, as _C. aromatica, Davidiana, heracleaefolia (C. tubulosa_), are more or less climbing. Most of the clematises are shrubs.

May-pop, _Passiflora incarnata_.* Not reliable north of Virginia.

Wild Gourd, _Cucurbita fœtidissima (Cucumis perennius_).* Excellent strong rugged vine for covering piles on the ground.

Mexican rose, mountain rose, _Antigonon leptopus_.

Root tuberous; a rampant grower, with pink bloom; outdoors South, and a conservatory plant North.

Kenilworth ivy, _Linaria Cymbalaria_.

A very graceful little perennial vine, re-sowing itself even where not hardy; favorite for baskets.

_b. Herbaceous twiners_

Hop, _Humulus Lupulus_.*

Produces the hops of commerce, but should be in common use as an ornamental plant.

Chinese yam, cinnamon vine, _Dioscorea divaricata (D. Batatas_).

Climbs high, but does not produce as much foliage as some other vines.

Wild yam, _D. villosa_.*

Smaller than the preceding; otherwise fully as good.

Ground-nut, _Apios tuberosa_.*

A bean-like vine, producing many chocolate-brown flowers in August and September.

Scarlet runner and White Dutch runner beans, _Phaseolus multiflorus_.

Perennial in warm countries; annual in the North.

Moonflowers, _Ipomcea_, various species.

Some are perennials far South, but annual North.

Hardy moonflower, _Ipomœa pandurata_.*

A weed where it grows wild, but an excellent vine for some purposes.

Wild morning-glory, Rutland beauty, _Convolvulus Sepium_* and California rose, _C. Japonicus_.

The former, white and pink, is common in swales. The latter, in double or semi-double form, is often run wild.

Madeira vine, mignonette vine, _Boussingaultia baselloides_.

Root a large, tough, irregular tuber.

Mikania, climbing hempweed, _Mikania scandens_.*

A good compositous twiner, inhabiting moist lands.

_Woody perennial climbers_.

(Climbing shrubs, the tops not dying down in fall except in climates in which they are not hardy.)

_a. Tendril-climbers, root-climbers, scramblers, and trailers_

Virginia creeper, _Ampelopsis quinquefolia_,*

The best vine for covering buildings in the colder climates. Plants should be selected from vines of known habit, as some individuals cling much better than others. Var. _hirsuta_,* strongly clinging, is recommended by the experimental station at Ottawa, Canada. Var. _Engelmanni_* has small and neat foliage.

Japanese ivy, Boston ivy, _A. tricuspidata (A. Veitchii_).

Handsomer than the Virginia creeper, and clings closer, but is often injured by winter in exposed places, especially when young; in northern regions, tops should be protected for first year or two.

Variegated ivy, _Ampelopsis heterophylla_ var. _elegans_ (_Cissus variegata_).

Handsome delicate hardy grape-like vines with mostly three-lobed blotched leaves and bluish berries.

Garden clematis, _Clematis_ of various species and varieties.

Plants of robust and attractive habit, and gorgeous blooms; many garden forms. _C. Jackmani_, and its varieties, is one of the best. _C. Henryi_ (Fig. 266) is excellent for white flowers. Clematises bloom in July and August.

Wild clematis, _C. Virginiana_*

Very attractive for arbors and for covering rude objects. The pistillate plants bear curious woolly balls of fruit.

Wild clematis, _C. verticillaris_.*

Less vigorous grower than the last, but excellent.

Japanese clematis, _C. paniculata_.

The best late-blooming woody vine, producing enormous masses of white flowers in late summer and early fall.

Trumpet creeper, _Tecoma radicans_.*

One of the best of all free-flowering shrubs; climbs by means of roots; flowers very large, orange-scarlet.

Chinese trumpet creeper, _T. grandiflora (Bignonia grandiflora_). Flowers orange-red; sometimes scarcely climbing.

Bignonia, _Bignonia capreolata_.*

A good strong evergreen vine, but often a nuisance in fields in the South.

Frost grape, _Vitis cordifolia_.*

One of the finest of all vines. It is a very tall grower, producing thick, heavy, dark leaves. Its foliage often reminds one of that of the moon-seed. Does not grow readily from cuttings.

Summer and river-bank grapes, _V. bicolor_* and _V. vulpina (riparia)_.*

The common wild grapes of the Northern states.

Muscadine, scuppernong, _Vitis rotundifolia_.*

Much used for arbors in the Southern states (Plate XV).

Ivy, _Hedera Helix_.

The European ivy does not endure the bright sun of our winter; on the north side of a building it often does well; the best of vines for covering buildings, where it succeeds; hardy in favorable localities as far north as southern Ontario; many forms.

Greenbrier, _Smilax rotundifolia_* and _S. hispida_.*

Unique for the covering of small arbors and summer-houses.

Euonymus, _E. radicans_.

A very close-clinging root-climber, excellent for low walls; evergreen; the variegated variety is good.

Climbing fig, _Ficus repens_.

Used in greenhouses North, but is hardy far South.

Matrimony vine, boxthorn, _Lycium Chinense_.

Flowering all summer; flowers rose-pink and buff, axillary, star-like, succeeded by scarlet berries in the fall; stems prostrate, or scrambling; an old-fashioned vine on porches.

Bitter-sweet, _Solanum Dulcamara_.

A common scrambling or semi-twining vine along roadsides, with brilliant red poisonous berries; top dies down or nearly so.

Periwinkles, _Vinca minor_ and _V. major_.

The former is the familiar trailing evergreen myrtle, with blue flowers in early spring; in its variegated form the latter is much used for hanging baskets and vases.

Climbing hydrangea, _Schizophragma hydrangeoides_.

Clings to walls by rootlets, producing white flowers in midsummer.

Passion-flower, species of _Passiflora_ and _Tacsonia_.

Used in the South and in California.

_b. Woody twiners_

Actinidia, _A. arguta_.

Very strong grower, with beautiful thick foliage that is not attacked by insects or fungi; one of the best vines for arbors.

Akebia, _A. quinata_. Very handsome and odd Japanese vine; a strong grower, and worthy general planting.

Honeysuckles, woodbine, _Lonicera_ of many kinds.

Japanese honeysuckle, _L. Halliana_ (a form of _L. Japonica_).

10-20 ft.; flowers, white and buff, fragrant mainly in spring and fall; leaves small, evergreen; stems prostrate and rooting, or twining and climbing. Trellises, or for covering rocks and bare places; extensively run wild in the South. Var. _aurea reticidata_ is similar to the type, but with handsome golden appearance.

Belgian Honeysuckle, L. _Periclymenum_ var. _Belgica_.

6-10 ft.; monthly; flowers in clusters, rosy red, buff within; makes a large, rounded bush.

Coral or trumpet honeysuckle, _L. sempervirens_.*

6-15 ft.; June; scattering scarlet flowers through the summer; with no support makes a large rounded bush; for trellises, fences, or a hedge; it is one of the list of hardy trees and shrubs recommended for Canada by the Experiment Station at Ottawa.

Honeysuckle, _L. Caprifolium_, with cup-like connate leaves.

Good native climbing honeysuckles are _L. flava_,* _Sullivanti_,* _hirsuta_,* _dioica_,* and _Douglasi_.*

Wistaria, _Wistaria Sinensis_ and _W. speciosa_.*

The Chinese species, _Sinensis_, is a superb plant; flowers blue-purple; there is a white-flowered variety.

Japanese wistaria, _W. multijuga_.

Flowers smaller and later than the Chinese, in looser racemes.

Dutchman’s pipe, _Aristolochia macrophytta (A. Sipho_).* A robust grower, possessing enormous leaves. Useful for covering verandas and arbors.

Wax-work or false bitter-sweet, _Celastrus scandens_.* Very ornamental in fruit; flowers imperfect.

Japanese celastrus, _C. orbiculatus (C. articulatus_ of the trade). _C. articulatus_ and _C. scandens_ are in the list of 100 trees and shrubs recommended by the Experiment Station at Ottawa for Canada.

Moonseed, _Menispermum Canadense_.* A small but very attractive twiner, useful for thickets and small arbors.

Bokhara climbing polygonum, _Polygonum Baldschuanicum_. Hardy North, although the young growth may be killed; flowers numerous, minute, whitish; interesting, but does not make a heavy cover.

Kudzu vine, _Pueraria Thunbergiana (Dolichos Japonicus_). Makes very long growths from a tuberous root; shrubby South, but dies to the ground in the North.

Silk vine, _Periploca Græca_. Purplish flowers in axillary clusters; long, narrow, shining leaves; rapid growing.

Potato vine, _Solanum jasminoides_. A good evergreen vine South, particularly the var. _grandiflorum_.

Yellow jasmine, _Gelsemium sempervirens_.* A good native evergreen vine for the South, with fragrant yellow flowers.

Malayan jasmine, _Trachelospermum_ (or _Rhynchospermum) jasminoides_. A good evergreen vine for the South and in California.

Climbing asparagus, _Asparagus plumosus_. Popular as an outdoor vine far South and in California.

Jasmines, _Jasminum_ of several species. The best known in gardens are _J. nudiflorum_, yellow in earliest spring, _J. officinale_, the jessamine of poetry, with white flowers, and _J. Sambac_, the Arabian jasmine (and related species) with white flowers and unbranched leaves; these are not hardy without much protection north of Washington or Philadelphia, and _J. Sambac_ only far South.

Bougainvillea, _Bougainvillaea glabra_ and _B. spectabilis_.

The magenta-flowered variety, sometimes seen in conservatories in the North, is a popular outdoor vine in the South and is profusely used in southern California. The red-flowered form is less seen, but is preferable in color.

Wire-vine (polygonum of florists), _Muehlenbeckia complexa_.

Abundantly used on buildings and chimneys in southern California.

XV: Scuppernong grape, the arbor vine of the South. This plate shows the noted scuppernongs on Roanoke Island, of which the origin is unknown, but which were of great size more than one hundred years ago. XV: Scuppernong grape, the arbor vine of the South. This plate shows the noted scuppernongs on Roanoke Island, of which the origin is unknown, but which were of great size more than one hundred years ago.

_Climbing roses_.

The roses do not climb nor possess any special climbing organs; therefore they must be provided with a trellis or woven-wire fence. Some of the roses classed as climbing are such as only need good support, Fig. 267. For culture of roses, see Chapter VIII.

The most popular climbing or pillar rose at present is Crimson Rambler, but while it makes a great display of flowers, it is not the best climbing rose. Probably the best of the real climbing roses for this country, bloom, foliage, and habit all considered, are the derivatives of the native prairie rose, _Rosa setigera_ (native as far north as Ontario and Wisconsin). Baltimore Belle and Queen of the Prairie belong to this class.

The climbing polyantha roses (hybrids of _Rosa multiflora_ and other species) include the class of “rambler” roses that has now come to be large, including not only the Crimson Rambler, but forms of other colors, single and semi-double, and various climbing habits; a very valuable and hardy class of roses, particularly for trellises.

The Memorial rose _(R. Wichuraiana_) is a trailing, half-evergreen, white-flowered species, very useful for covering banks and rocks. Derivatives of this species of many kinds are now available, and are valuable.

The Ayrshire roses _(R. arvensis_ var. _capreolata_) are profuse but rather slender growers, hardy North, bearing double white or pink flowers.

The Cherokee rose _(R. Icevigata_ or _R. Sinica_) is extensively naturalized in the South, and much prized for its large white bloom and shining foliage; not hardy in the North.

The Banksia rose _(R. Banksice_) is a strong climbing rose for the South and California with yellow or white flowers in clusters. A larger-flowered form _(R. Fortuneana_) is a hybrid of this and the Cherokee rose.

The climbing tea and noisette roses, forms of _R. Chinensis_ and _R. Noisettiana_, are useful in the open in the South.

7. TREES FOR LAWNS AND STREETS

A single tree may give character to an entire home property; and a place of any size that does not have at least one good tree usually lacks any dominating landscape note.

Likewise, a street that is devoid of good trees cannot be the best residential section; and a park that lacks well-grown trees is either immature or barren.

Although the list of good and hardy lawn and street trees is rather extensive, the number of kinds generally planted and recognized is small. Since most home places can have but few trees, and since they require so many years to mature, it is natural that the home-maker should hesitate about experimenting, or trying kinds that he does not himself know. So the home-maker in the North plants maples, elms, and a white birch, and in the South a magnolia and China-berry. Yet there are numbers of trees as useful as these, the planting of which might give our premises and streets a much richer expression.

It is much to be desired that some of the trees with “strong” and rugged characters be introduced into the larger grounds; such, for example, as the hickories and oaks. These may often transplant with difficulty, but the effort to secure them is worth the expenditure. Good trees of oaks, and others supposed to be difficult to transplant, may now be had of the leading nurserymen. The pin oak _(Quercus palustris_) is one of the best street trees and is now largely planted.

It is at least possible to introduce a variety of trees into a city or village, by devoting one street or a series of blocks to a single kind of tree,—one street being known by its lindens, one by its plane-trees, one by its oaks, one by its hickories, one by its native birches, beech, coffee-tree, sassafras, gum or liquidambar, tulip tree, and the like. There is every reason why a city, particularly a small city or a village, should become to some extent an artistic expression of its natural region.

The home-maker is fortunate if his area already possesses well-grown large trees. It may even be desirable to place the residence with reference to such trees (Plate VI); and the planning of the grounds should accept them as fixed points to which to work. The operator will take every care to preserve and safeguard sufficient of the standing trees to give the place singularity and character.

The care of the tree should include not only the protecting of it from enemies and accidents, but also the maintaining of its characteristic features. For example, the natural rough bark should be maintained against the raids of tree-scrapers; and the grading should not be allowed to disguise the natural bulge of the tree at the base, for a tree that is covered a foot or two above the natural line is not only in danger of being killed, but it looks like a post.

The best shade trees are usually those that are native to the particular region, since they are hardy and adapted to the soil and other conditions. Elms, maples, basswoods, and the like are nearly always reliable. In regions in which there are serious insect enemies or fungous diseases, the trees that are most likely to be attacked may be omitted. For instance, in parts of the East the chestnut bark-disease is a very great menace; and it is a good plan in such places to plant other trees than chestnuts.

A good shade tree is one that has a heavy foliage and dense head, and that is not commonly attacked by repelling insects and diseases. Trees for shade should ordinarily be given sufficient room that they may develop into full size and symmetrical heads. Trees may be planted as close as 10 or 15 feet apart for temporary effect; but as soon as they begin to crowd they should be thinned, so that they develop their full characteristics as trees.

Trees may be planted in fall or spring. Fall is desirable, except for the extreme North, if the land is well drained and prepared and if the trees may be got in early; but under usual conditions, spring planting is safer, if the stock has been wintered well (see discussion under Shrubs, p. 290). Planting and pruning are discussed on pp. 124 and 139.

If one desires trees with conspicuous bloom, they should be found among the magnolias, tulip trees, kœlreuteria, catalpas, chestnuts, horse-chestnut and buckeyes, cladrastis, black or yellow locust, wild black cherry, and less conspicuously in the lindens; and also in such half-trees or big shrubs as cercis, cytisus, flowering dogwood, double-flowered and other forms of apples, crab-apples, cherries, plums, peaches, hawthorn or cratægus, amelanchier, mountain ash.

Among drooping or weeping trees the best may be found in the willows _(Salix Babylonica_ and others), maples (Wier’s), birch, mulberry, beech, ash, elm, cherry, poplar, mountain ash.

Purple-leaved varieties occur in the beech, maple, elm, oak, birch, and others.

Yellow-leaved and tricolors occur in the maple, oak, poplar, elm, beech, and other species.

Cut-leaved forms are found in birch, beech, maple, alder, oak, basswood, and others.

_List of hardy deciduous trees for the North_.

(The genera are arranged alphabetically. Natives are marked by *; good species for shade trees by †; those recommended by the Experiment Station at Ottawa, Ontario, by DD)

In a number of the genera, the plants may be shrubby rather than arboreus in some regions (see the Shrub list), as in acer _(A. Ginnala, A. spicatum_), æsculus, betula _(B. pumila_), carpinus, castanea (_C. pumila_), catalpa _(C. ovata_), cercis, magnolia (_M. glauca_ particularly), ostrya, prunus, pyrus, salix, sorbus.

Norway maple, _Acer platanoides_.(D, DD) One of the finest medium-sized trees for single lawn specimens; there are several horticultural varieties. Var. _Schwedleri_‡ is one of the best of purple-leaved trees. The Norway maple droops too much and is too low-headed for roadside planting.

Black sugar maple, _A. nigrum_.(A, DD) Darker and softer in aspect than the ordinary sugar maple.

Sugar maple, _A. saccharum_.(A, DD) This and the last are among the very best roadside trees.

Silver maple, _A. saccharinum (A. dasycarpum_).(A, DD) Desirable for water-courses and for grouping; succeeds on both wet and dry lands.

Wier’s cut-leaved silver maple, _A. saccharinum_ var. _Wieri_.(D, DD)

Light and graceful; especially desirable for pleasure grounds.

Red, soft, or swamp maple, _A. rubrum_.* Valuable for its spring and autumn colors, and for variety in grouping.

Sycamore maple, _A. Pseudo-platanus._ A slow grower, to be used mostly as single specimens. Several horticultural varieties.

English maple, _A. campestre_. A good medium-sized tree of slow growth, not hardy on our northern borders; see under Shrubs (p. 291).

Japan maple, _A. palmatum (A. polymorphum)_. In many forms, useful for small lawn specimens; does not grow above 10-20 ft.

Siberian maple, _A. Ginnala_.‡ Attractive as a lawn specimen when grown as a bush; the autumn color is very bright; small tree or big shrub.

Mountain maple, _A. spicatum_.* Very bright in autumn.

Box-elder, _Acer Negundo (Negundo aceroides_ or _fraxinifolium_).*† Very hardy and rapid growing; much used in the West as a windbreak, but not strong in ornamental features.

Horse chestnut, _Æsculus Hippocastanum_.†‡ Useful for single specimens and roadsides; many forms.

Buckeye, _Æ. octandra (Æ. flava)_*‡

Ohio buckeye, _Æ. glabra_*

Red buckeye, _Æ. cornea (Æ. rubicunda)_.

Ailanthus, _Ailanthus glandulosa_. A rapid grower, with large pinnate leaves; the staminate plant possesses a disagreeable odor when it flowers; suckers badly; most useful as a shrub; see the same under Shrubs (also Fig. 50).

Alder, _Alnus glutinosa_. The var. _imperialis_‡ is one of the best cut-leaved small trees.

European birch, _Betula alba_.

Cut-leaved weeping birch, _B. alba_ var. _laciniata pendula_.‡

American white birch, _B. populifolia_.*

Paper, or canoe birch, _B. papyrifera_.*

Cherry birch, _B. lenta_. *

Well-grown specimens resemble the sweet cherry; both this and the yellow birch (_B. lutea_*) make attractive light-leaved trees; they are not appreciated.

Hornbeam or blue beech, _Carpinus Americana_.* Chestnut, _Castanea saliva_† and _C. Americana_.*†

Showy catalpa, _Catalpa speciosa_.†‡ Very dark, soft-foliaged tree of small to medium size; showy in flower; for northern regions should be raised from northern-grown seed.

Smaller catalpa, _C. bignonioides_.† Less showy than the last, blooming a week or two later; less hardy.

Japanese catalpa, _C. ovata_ (_C. Kœmpferi_).‡ In northern sections often remains practically a bush.

Nettle-tree, _Celtis occidentalis_.*

Katsura-tree, _Cercidiphyllum Japonicum_.‡ A small or medium-sized tree of very attractive foliage and habit.

Red-bud, or Judas-tree, _Cercis Canadensis_.* Produces a profusion of rose-purple pea-like flowers before the leaves appear; foliage also attractive.

Yellow-wood, or virgilia, _Cladrastis tinctoria_.* One of the finest hardy flowering trees.

Beech, _Fagus ferruginea_.*† Specimens which are symmetrically developed are among our best lawn trees; picturesque in winter.

European beech, _F. sylvatica_.† Many cultural forms, the purple-leaved being everywhere known. There are excellent tricolored varieties and weeping forms.

Black ash, _Fraxinus nigra_ (_F. sambucifolia_).*† One of the best of the light-leaved trees; does well on dry soils, although native to swamps; not appreciated.

White ash, _F. Americana_.*†

European ash, _F. excelsior_.† There is a good weeping form of this.

Maiden-hair tree, _Ginkgo biloba_ (_Salisburia adiantifolia_).‡ Very odd and striking; to be used for single specimens or avenues.

Honey locust, _Gleditschia triacanthos_.*† Tree of striking habit, with big branching thorns and very large pods; there is also a thornless form.

Kentucky coffee-tree, _Gymnocladus Canadensis_.* Light and graceful; unique in winter.

Bitternut, _Hicoria minima_ (or _Carya amara_).* Much like black ash in aspect; not appreciated.

Hickory, _Hicoria ovata_ (or _Carya_) *†‡ and others.

Pecan, _H. Pecan_.*† Hardy in places as far north as New Jersey, and reported still farther.

Butternut, _Juglans cinerea_.*

Walnut, _J. nigra_.*

Varnish-tree, _Kœlreuteria paniculata_. A medium-sized tree of good character, producing a profusion of golden-yellow flowers in July; should be better known.

European larch, _Larix decidua (L. Europœa_).‡

American larch or tamarack, _L. Americana_.*

Gum-tree, sweet gum, _Liquidambar styraciflua_.*† A good tree, reaching as far north as Connecticut, and hardy in parts of western New York although not growing large; foliage maple-like; a characteristic tree of the South.

Tulip tree or whitewood, _Liriodendron Tulipifera_.*† Unique in foliage and flower and deserving to be more planted.

Cucumber tree, _Magnolia acuminata_.*† Native in the Northern states; excellent.

White bay-tree, _M. glauca_.*† Very attractive small tree, native along the coast to Massachusetts; where not hardy, the young growth each year is good.

Of the foreign magnolias hardy in the North, two species and one group of hybrids are prominent: _M. stellata_ (or _M. Halleana_) and _M. Yulan_ or _(M. conspicua),_ both white-flowered, the former very early and having 9-18 petals and the latter (which is a larger tree) having 6-9 petals; _M. Soulangeana,_ a hybrid group including the forms known as _Lennei, nigra, Norbertiana, speciosa, grandis_. All these magnolias are deciduous and bloom before the leaves appear.

Mulberry, _Morus rubra_.*

White mulberry, _M. alba_.

Russian mulberry, _M. alba_ var. _Tatarica_. Teas’ weeping mulberry is a form of the Russian.

Pepperidge or gum-tree, _Nyssa sylvatica_* One of the oddest and most picturesque of our native trees; especially attractive in winter; foliage brilliant red in autumn; most suitable for low lands.

Iron-wood, hop hornbeam, _Ostrya Virginica_.* A good small tree, with hop-like fruits.

Sourwood, sorrel-tree, _Oxydendrum arboreum_.* Interesting small tree native from Pennsylvania in the high land south, and should be reliable where it grows wild.