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LIBRARY
FACULTY OF FORESTRY
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
POPULAR
ccibxtoits anb mhct^vccn
TREES AND SHRUBS,
FOR PLANTING IN
PARKS, GARDENS, CEMETERIES, ETC., ETC.
BY
F. R. ELLIOTT,
AUTHOR OP " WESTERN FRUIT BOOK," ETC.
16^27
|39
NEW YORK:
THE AMERICAN NEWS COMPANY
39 AND 41 CHAMBERS STREET.
ENTERED, ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE TEAR 1868, BY
FRANCIS W. WOODWARD,
IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF Till DiSTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF MW TORE
PREFACE.
The preparation of the following pages has not
been with intention to exhibit or inculcate anything
specially new, but rather to put in plain, every-day
accessible form some features connected with trees
and shrubs for planting in streets, parks, private
grounds, cemeteries, etc., and their value for such
purposes, that would readily enable the improver of
a new place to answer for himself a question often
asked, viz., "What shall I plant?"
I have endeavored, in plain language, to depict
the leading prominent habits of trees, to give some-
what of the heights, etc., to which they attain, and
the soils in which they best succeed. I have also
ventured to suggest some of the places and positions
in which their use will be most satisfactory.
I have made no attempt to give a list of all known
trees and shrubs, nor to classify them scientifically ;
nor yet have I designed to forestall the needs of a
lv PREFACE.
landscape gardener in the creation of taste and effect ;
but have written with a view to meet a popular and
general want of the public when performing their
own planting, as brought to my knowledge in my
professional life.
If the hints here offered assist, even to a limited
extent, in creating more judicious placing of tree or
shrub in private gardens or public cemeteries, the
object of writing will be accomplished ; and with
hope thereof it is offered to the public.
Cleveland, Ohio, Jane, 1868.
CONTENTS.
-♦-»♦-
CHAPTER I. Page
Introductory „ 7
CHAPTER II.
Deciduous Trees 9
CHAPTER III.
"Weeping Deciduous Trees 45
CHAPTER IV.
Deciduous Plants with Colored or Variegated Foliage 56
CHAPTER V.
Evergreen Trees 57
CHAPTER VI.
Weeping Evergreen Trees 80
CHAPTER VII.
Evergreen Shrubs 82
CHAPTER VIII.
Ornamental Deciduous Shrubs -. 92
POPULAR
DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN
TREES AND SHRUBS.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
" A taste for rural improvements of every description," says
Downing, " is advancing silently, but with great rapidity in
this country." This is evident from the immense number of
trees and shrubs that are planted from year to year in all private
and public grounds, upon the borders of our country roads, the
streets of our small towns and villages, and the suburbs of large
cities.
As a nation we progress rapidly in the accumulation of
wealth, and perhaps we may with safety be called a " money-
getting people ;" but with all our love of money it has thus far
in the course been gained more for the enjoyments it would
purchase, or the good the owner was enabled to do therewith,
than for the simple, yet base, purpose of hoarding. While we
have no law to compel a man to plant a tree upon the roadside
on reaching manhood's age, or irpon the birth of each child, we
have as a people so much of enterprise and taste, so much
ambition and love of home adornment, that we are unwilling to
rest quiet without the association, comfort, and enjoyment in all
ways derived from cooling shades and fragrant flowers.
8 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
We are yet a young people, and in many places the trees that
adorn our homes and our streets have grown with our growth ;
and while we are to pass away, they are to remain life-enduring
monuments of our labors and examples of instruction to our
children's children for generations to come.
In years gone by, our street shades, as well as those adorning
our homes, had to contend against depredations of roving cattle,
horses, etc. ; but thanks to the courts, and more recently to some
of our State laws, it is fast coming to the comprehension of the
multitude, that our roadways are public property only as they
may be properly and soberly used as passage-ways, and that
otherwise they belong to the owners of the land adjoining.
When this feature is more generally known and adopted, we
look to see our roadways and public pleasure drives more
generally adorned with tree and shrub in front of each man's
land as may please his taste or suit the position.
More variety of trees can also be safely planted ; and as the
light wire fences or well-trimmed hedges gradually take the
place of heavy boards, rails, or pickets, our roadways will soon
present more the appearance of park drives than pathways to
market.
In the following pages it has been the object of the author to
so plainly describe each tree and shrub, with its adaptation to
positions and soils, that the most complete novice in tree planting
may read and understand, and thereby advance the beauty of
our roadsides, cemeteries, and private homes.
DECIDUOUS TREES.
CHAPTER II.
DECIDUOUS TREES.
The Ash — Fraxinus. — There are many varieties of the ash,
all more or less valuable both as ornamental shade trees and for
timber uses. The European ash — fraxinus excelsior — is a lofty
tree, with more of a spreading head than our American —
fraxinus Americanus — varieties, and is the one generally grown
and sold at the nurseries. As a street tree, along suburban or
country roads, and for creating apparent elevations in landscape,
or for forming the point tree of a background, both the European
and American are good. We prefer the European for street
planting, and the American for effect in the landscape, but use it
only in grounds of considerable extent.
For places of small extent, both the European and American
are of too large growth. A rich, deep, and moist, almost wet,
soil suits the ash best ; but it succeeds well in almost any soil or
situation, being very hardy and entirely free from insects.
Of the fancy varieties, the Gold-Barked (aurea) is most
notable, because of the bright yellow of its branches, forming
with its singular contorted or irregular, upright, spreading
growth a conspicuous object in winter. The Willow-Leaved
{salicifolia) has narrow wavy leaves, and is perhaps one of the
strongest growers ; while the Myrtle-Leaved {viridis) is of a
stunted or dwarfed habit with very dark green myrtle-like
leaves, and is valuable only as a curiosity, or for a position on
the point of two diverging roads or paths ; and for this latter
purpose perhaps a better variety is one under the name of
Dwarf Globe-Headed, which originated with Messrs. Ellwanger
1*
10
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
& Barry, of Rochester, N. Y. ; this, when grafted or budded on
stocks of the excelsior or Americana, at a height of about six feet,
forms a very pleasing ornamental dwarf tree.
Of the other varieties, such as the crisp-leaved, gold blotched-
leaved, etc., we have no occasion here to speak, because they are
Qnly desirable in very large collections, where variety rather
than beauty or usefulness is the object sought.
Fig. 1.— American Ash.
The Flowering Ash — ornus Europaus — is a tree of an entire
different habit. While an ash, and growing rapidly when
young, it soon appears to have become mature, and seldom
gets above twenty to thirty feet high, with a round ball-like
head of about fifteen to twenty feet diameter. Its clean foliage
and regular habit, together with the numerous white flowers
which it bears in May or June, according to the climate in
DECIDUOUS TREES. 11
which it is grown, renders it desirable for planting in grounds
of an extent of two or more acres. There is a variety of this,
macrophylla, with larger foliage and stronger growth, that is
desirable where two or more trees are to be planted.
Ailanttjs — Glandulosa. — The Chinese Ailantus, or Tree of
Heaven as it is often called, has received much fulsome praise
and equally unjust censure. It is a tree that grows rapidly, and
in almost any soil ; is entirely free from insects, and although not
graceful, yet its strong shoots or arms of rusty brown young
wood, taken with its long and singular foliage and profusion of
whitish green flowers, create a tree of no mean attraction. There
are two sexes, both of which produce flowers, the male much
less abundantly than the female ; and while the male suckers
freely, the female does not. It should never be planted near
dwellings, or where the ground is to be dug. It grows freely
while young ; but once it has attained a height of fifteen to
twenty feet and comes into flowering, it increases in size more
slowly.
Beech — Fagus. — Our American Beech — /('(/its Americana —
we rank as combining in itself more of beauty, grace, and mag-
nificence than perhaps any other of our forest trees. True, it has
not the grandeur of the oak; but with its stateliness of upright,
spreading growth, every line and twig is one of graceful ease ;
and from the first opening of the buds in spring, onward until
in full foliage, its glossiness and changing shades are a constant
and varying feature of beauty. In winter, its delicate spray
qpmbined with the prominence of its long pointed buds make
it especially an object of attraction and admiration. Some
planters object to the beech on account of a tendency to sucker,
but Ave have never found it so where the roots remained
unbroken by cultivation.
Young trees should always be procured with branches starting
from near the ground, and rarely does it need the knife applied
12
LAWN AND SHADE TKEE8.
to give it regularity and symmetry of form. A deep loamy,
rather moist soil gives it most vigor and causes it to grow to a
large size ; but it also grows freely in poor thin soils, as the
roots spread widely and keep near the surface. It is admirably
adapted to grouping with the hemlock, and with sequoia gigantea,
or the mammoth evergreen tree of California ; but as a single
lawn tree it has no superior, and should be planted wherever
Fig. 2.— American Beech.
room can be given for its development without destroying
breadth or character of grounds.
Of fancy varieties of the beech, the true purple-leaved (pur-
purea) is the most desirable. It has rather stronger limbs and
twigs than the common plain variety, and the young shoots and
buds are of a rose color, while the foliage when young or half
grown is of a reddish purple tinge, forming a pleasing and
DECIDUOUS TREES. 13
attractive contrast with the green of other trees. The cut-leaved
(incisa) forms, while young, a vigorous, well-marked tree with
leaves variously cut, resembling in some cases ferns, in others
willows ; as it gets age, however, these markings of the foliage
become less and less distinct. The crested, silver, and gold-
striped leaved varieties are all singular and pretty, but their
growth is feeble, rendering them only desirable for an arboretum.
The oak-leaved (quercifolia) and large-leaved (macrophylla) are
varieties of comparatively new introduction, and may prove
valuable for general planting, but as yet it can only be advisable
to give them place in large grounds.
Birch — Betula. — Few of our native trees grow more rapidly
while young, or are more easily transjilanted than the birch. It
grows freely in any soil, not wet ; and where a graceful, light-
foliaged tree is wanted, few have better claims on the planter's
attention. There are many varieties, some of them growing only
a few feet high, as fruticosa, nana, etc. ; but the common black
birch (nigra), and the tall birch (excelsa), together with the
European white birch (alba), are the varieties most in use. They
arc admirable for crowning a rocky point or ledge ; for grouping
with the larch or hemlock, and by their pensile spray and
adaptation to poor soils well suited for planting in cemeteries.
In autumn, the foliage when about to drop off becomes a bright
yellow or scarlet.
Butternut — Juglans cinerea. — Although not strictly to be
classed among ornamental trees, yet the rapidity of growth
while young, the habit of early bearing, together with the great
value of its fruit, make the butternut a tree desirable to plant
wherever a suitable place can be found. Its branches spread
out horizontally, so that often the tree has more breadth than
height, and its foliage is so sparse that it must not be counted
upon as a shade under which to rest from the noonday sun ; but
jf there is a rich spot of ground — for it requires rich soil — where
14
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
this tree can be grown, our advice is to plant it. It groups well
with the Austrian or Scotch pines.
Catalpa — Byringafolia. — A native of our Southern States,
the catalpa or shavanon is one of our most showy as well as
rapid growing trees. Unfortunately it is not quite hardy in
our Northern sections, and can not safely be introduced and
planted except in positions where it can have some protection
from our bright suns of winter. It is a tree that is suitable for
Fig. 3.— Butternut.
grouping with the Austrian, Scotch ,or yellow pines ; but when
grown singly, its masses of white and purple flowers render it a
tree of beauty unequaled only by the Paulownia. As a street
or park tree, wherever it will endure the winters, it is one of the
best. A light dry soil is best suited to its growth.
Chestnut — Castanea. — The perfect hardihood, rapid growth,
erect yet spreading head, clean glossy foliage, entirely exempt
from insects, and the richness of its fruit render our common
DECIDUOUS TKEES. 15
sweet chestnut more worthy of attention and liberal planting
than it has ever received.
As a park or street tree, its very habit of yielding good fruit
we suppose would be the first objection made to its introduction,
because of the liability of its branches being broken by reckless
boys and lawless men. "We can only say this is no fault of the
tree, but is a bad mark for those who educate the boys, and an
indication that we have many laws that are made only to be
broken.
Every planter of private grounds who has room should use
the chestnut, as it is in itself as a tree beautiful, whether singly
or in groups, of easy cultivation, and produces fruit of value as
profitable one year with another as an apple-tree. A light, dry,
yet rich soil suits it best, but it will grow in any good soil that
is well drained. It is somewhat difficult to transplant after the
trees are more than three years from the seed, but by cutting
around the roots one season previous, trees of considerable size
can be safely removed.
The French Marron or Spanish chestnut we have found
equally hardy, and as their fruit is much larger where the trees
can be had, they will be the best.
Coffee Thee — Chymnocladus. — The Kentucky coffee tree
(gymnocladus canadensis') is a singular tree, remarkable and
always attracting attention, but without any feature that would
otherwise call it into use as one to plant in ornamenting grounds.
Its wood has no appearance of buds, and in winter it looks like
a dead tree ; but wdien it puts on its foliage, which is often very
long and wide, and of a dull bluish green, its character is very
much improved. As a curiosity in large collections it is desir-
able. Rich, deep, moist soil gives it the greatest vigor.
Cherry — Cerasus. — Under the name of wild or Bird Cherry
there are several varieties popularly recognized, but only that
classed by botanists as Vir.giniana is desirable for parks or
1G LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
private grounds. The tree grows rapidly, and while its slender
branches droop, its form is upright, spreading, and when in
good soil attaining a very large size. Like the birch, graceful
and pliant, swaying to every breeze its glossy foliage in the
summer season; and its delicate, long, slender, purplish red spray
in winter make the bird cherry a very desirable tree for many
situations.
As a street tree it would be unsuitable, and for small grounds
it grows too large. Birds seem attracted always to it, and
nest in it perhaps more than in any other tree.
The Perfumed or Mahaleb Cheery is another variety of
great beauty and value as an ornamental tree. It makes a small
or dwarf tree of only fifteen to twenty feet high, and may be
grown in any soil, from the very poorest to its opposite. For
planting in cemeteries and small private grounds, its light and
abundant spray, pale green leaves, strong yet agreeable perfume
of wood, flowers, and fruit, make for it a strong claim for
position. As a foreground also to groups of larger growing
trees, whether evergreen or deciduous, it is admirable.
The Double Flowering Cherry, a variety of the heart
cherries, from its vigorous growth and profusion of double white
flowers, like miniature roses in early spring, is a valuable tree
for roadsides in the country, inclosed parks, or extensive
private grounds.
Deciduous Cypress — Taoxdium distichia. — Although a na-
tive of our Southern States, the deciduous cypress proves
hardy in our Middle and also over a great portion of our
Northern States. In foliage it is different from all other
trees ; with a resemblance to the hemlock, it has a light bright
green leaf combined with an airy lightness of great elegance,
pleasing and attractive to all. In low, wet grounds, as in its
native habitat, it grows to a large tree ; but planted in our
common garden soils, it forms a tree of only medium height, say
DECIDUOUS TREES.
17
twenty to thirty feet. As it pushes its roots deep into the
ground, it is always best to transplant young trees. In private
grounds of an acre or more extent, one or more trees should
always be planted. Grouped with hemlocks and firs, its light
Fig. 4.— Deciduous CrritEss.
green foliage and airiness contrast beautifully with the more
somber shades of the evergreens.
Dogwood — Cornus. — The Common Dogwood (cornus fioridd)
abounds in almost all sections of the Middle States. Without
pretending rank as a tree, for it does not often grow above
18
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
twenty feet high, its profusion of pure white flowers in early-
spring have drawn attention of ornamental planters to it, until
it is now sought for and planted by every landscapist of any
taste. As a small tree to skirt the boundaries of evergreen
groups, peeping out from among them with its snowy flowers
in spring, and its brilliant red berries and dark red foliage in
autumn, we have few equal to it.
There is a variegated-leaved variety also, with its leaves
blotched with white, that when the plant is to stand with other
deciduous trees is better because of the greater attraction
created by its foliage; and there is also one, the sanguinea,
with its young shoots of a bright scarlet color, that is extremely
ornamental, whether planted by itself or against a relief of
evergreens. The European dogwood (musculo,) has small
yellow flowers of no great beauty, but in the autumn its oval
scarlet berries are very ornamental, and hang a long time on the
tree.
Elm — Ulmus. — From the abundance of elms, everywhere native,
over our country, and the almost perfect certainty of their living
and growing freely when transplanted with ordinary care, it has
become one of our most popular street and park trees. Grace-
fully elegant by reason of its long sweeping branches, and its
loose pendant yet tufted masses of foliage, vigorous and almost
lofty in its growth, and adapting itself as it were to all soils, wet
or dry, clay or sand, the American white elm has no superior as
a street or park tree, where it can be planted so as to give it
room for development ; but when planted, as it too often is, in
small grounds, or on the sides of narrow streets or avenues
where its limbs have to be lopped off or trimmed up, it is
unsuited, because in so doing its beauty is destroyed, and the
owner has only a long bare trunk where he might have had,
with some other variety, a mass of foliage and beauty.
The red elm (fulva) is more upright in its growth than the
DECIDUOUS TREES.
19
white, and does not attain as great size, but it is not as desirable
for planting in positions too confined for the white as the
European (campestris) or Scotch (montana) elms.
The European or English elm forms a lofty tree of less spread-
ing habit than our white elm, and in retaining its foliage later,
extends apparently our season of summer.
As a shade tree it is more compact and dense in its foliage,
and therefore more suitable in the formation of masses or groups.
Fig. 5. — English Elm.
A great number of varieties of this species occur among the
trees sold, because all are grown from seed, and the planter can
frequently select trees of a dozen different habits among those
offered by the dealer.
The Scotch or Wyeh elm is a variety nearer to our white elm
in its habits, but of less size and with a coarser foliage. It
appears to be suited with poor soils, where our white elm does
20
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
not flourish finely, and for use in planting on a rocky point or
hill in connection with the birch it is the best.
For single trees on lawns of small extent, the cork-barked
elm {suberosa) has claims that commend it to every planter. It
is vigorous and hardy, foliage rich and dark, hanging late in
autumn, and its branches and twigs covered with a fungous
Fig. 6.— Japan Ginko.
growth of a cork-like substance, so singular and curious as to
attract attention and admiration. The foliage of all the elms in
autumn is of a yellow tint.
Ginko — Salisburia. — The ginko is a tree of great botanical
DECIDUOUS TREES. 21
curiosity because of its peculiar foliage, unlike that of any other
tree or shrub, but nearest resembling the maiden-hair fern.
In form it has generally a neat, regular, open, conical head, -with
its foliage on long petioles, giving it an airy and unique
appearance that harmonizes well with buildings, but does not
so well with masses or groups of other trees. It is perfectly
hardy, and should be planted in every ground where a place
Fig. 7.— Horse Chestnut.
can be arranged for it near to view, so that its Character can be
readily seen.
Horse Chestnut — JEscxilus. — For bordering the lines of
straight avenues, and for public squares or town plots, where
regularity and symmetry are desired rather than grandeur; for
single lawn trees, and for limited use in grouping with the
Scotch and Austrian pines, the horse chestnut is one of our
best and most ornamental trees. While young it is a slow
22 LAWN AND SHADE TKEES.
grower, but when the trees get a height of eight or ten feet,
and are planted in a rich, deep, loamy soil which is best suited
to them, they grow rapidly, and soon form large, regular, round
symmetrical heads, clothed with a broad, clean foliage, and
decorated in spring with masses and clusters of white or red
blossoms according to the variety. By grafting the red-
blossoming variety (rubicunda) and the yellow (glabra) into
the principal portions of the top and center limbs of the
white (Jdppocastanum), a very beautiful and novel effect is pro-
duced, that when the tree stands alone on the lawn adds much
to its beauty.
There is now grown a variety of the Mppocastanum with
double flowers that are very beautiful, like little roses. When
in full foliage and bloom the horse chestnut is one of the most
beautiful among ornamental trees ; but it has one habit, that of
casting its foliage early in the fall, which we consider very
objectionable to its use near the house, as our summer season is
lessened in appearance nearly or quite a month thereby.
Hickoky— Carya— The difficulty of transplanting the hickory
or white walnut tree has. kept it from use in ornamental planting.
The trees are lofty and elegant when grown singly, and there
is a lively tint or character in their foliage which renders them
very pleasingly effective when found in groups or masses. They
are readily grown from the nut, and he Avho is just commencing
the planting of a new place should in this way introduce them
into his grounds.
Linden — Tilia. — Under the name of basswood our American
linden or lime tree is well known. Some years since that as
well as the European variety were so much preyed upon by
insects that their use in planting was almost abandoned. Of
late years, however, there is less injury from insects, and the
planting of lindens has again come into practice.
Of rapid growth, easily transplanted, full and flowing in its
DECIDUOUS TREES.
23
outline or form, its foliage broad and of a rich green, few of our
native or exotic trees have more to recommend them than the
linden. It prefers, and grows more vigorously in, a light and
rich deep soil, but also grows well in even a poor sand or on a
Fig. 8.— Linden.
clay, provided it is not wet. Its regular, uniform, but flowing
form adapts it well to planting in grounds of the graceful school
in composition, and also to avenues, streets, and public parks.
In spring, its pale yellow clusters of flowers are quite ornamental ;
24 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
and in autumn, its yellowish or yellowish brown foliage contrasts
finely with many of the maples.
There are a number of varieties, the best of which we think is
alba or the white-leaved linden, which has very broad foliage,
deep green on the upper side and nearly white underneath, so
that every breeze that rustles among it gives to it an airy and
beautiful appearance. The European linden has smaller leaves
than our American, and is perhaps more regular in its form ;
and there are also varieties of it, one with the young shoots
quite red and one with them yellow, that are extremely orna-
mental in winter — the red especially — when grouped with ever-
greens, forming conspicuous lines. There are also fancy varieties,
such as the fern-leaved, grape-leaved, etc., that are curious and
pretty, and desirable for those who have plenty of room to dis-
jnlay them.
Locust — Rdbinia. — We do not regard the locust as of much
value for planting on roadsides, in parks, or private grounds.
Its advocates have urged its rapid growth, but we have now so
many trees of equally rapid growth, and so much better as a
whole in themselves, that such recommendation can not avail.
There are, however, positions in picturesque grouping where the
locust with its long clusters of blossoms and airy lightness of
foliage comes in admirably. For grounds of large extent, where
variety as well as beauty serves to make up the scene, there are a
number, such as the spreading (horizontalis), the crisp-leaved
(crisjia), the rose-flowered (viscosa), etc., that are interesting and
deserving of room and care.
Under the common name of locust or honey locust is another,
the Three -Thornep Acacia (gleditscltia triacanthos), which
should not be so lightly passed over. This is a tree that does
not sucker ; its branches are strong, rarely if ever breaking under
the strongest gales of wind ; assumes to itself the privilege of
growing in many shapes, from that of a tall, branching, and
DECIDUOUS TREES. 25
lofty character, to one of almost horizontal form. In foliage it
is light and open, feathery, and together with its wood studded
with long pointed thorns, and seed pods of live or six inches in
length, which hang on all winter, create for it a tree very
desirable in the composition of groups, and also for roadsides
or streets where only a partial, not deep, shade is desirable.
Fig. 9.— Larch.
Larcii — Larix. — The European larch (Jarix Europea) is a tree
almost indispensable in ornamental planting of grounds. Seem-
ingly indifferent as to the nature of the soil, it grows with sur-
prising rapidity in thin, poor, light sands, in wet, boggy loams,
high rocky knolls, or in rich garden loam. Downing says, "It
2
26 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
can never be called a beautiful tree, so far as beauty consists in
smooth outlines;'' but in so saying we think he was in error, for
some of the most perfect outlines we ever saw in tree, regular
symmetrical cones from the ground upward, are to be found in
trees of the European larch where grown alone and in a light
dry soil. With Downing, however, we agree that it should be
sparingly planted in grounds where the graceful rather than the
picturesque style is designed to be created ; but in the formation
of groups combined with the hemlock or the Norway sjjruce; in
planting a rocky knoll, or bordering some stream where its
drooping spray and swaying branches harmonize with the birch
or willow, and at the same time increase character and expression
by its spiry top, it is a tree of the highest value.
For street shades, or any position where its lower branches
have to be pruned away, it is entirely unsuited. Our American
larch, frequently called tamarack, is of slow growth when
planted in dry soil, as compared with the European, but in low,
wet situations it grows rapidly, and for picturesque effect is
even better, because of its more irregular habit.
The cones of the European variety are much larger than those
of the American, and when the tree is planted so that it can be
plainly seen, it is very beautiful, with its bright pink flowers
early in sjDring.
Maple — Acer. — All the maples are good as shade trees for
lawn or roadside, but among them the rubrum, red flowering, or
as generally termed scarlet maple, is most to be prized. Its red
flowers and leaves in early spring or beginning of summer; its
brilliant shades of red foliage in autumn, taken in connection with
its rapid growth and upright half spreading form, render it one
of the most ornamental of hardy trees. Although a native, and
abundant in many parts of our Northern and Middle States, one
or more trees of it should be found in all grounds of half an
acre or more in size. It may not be quite as rapid in growth as
DECIDUOUS TREES.
2T
the silver-leaved (dasycarpum), but it is more upright, and its
branches less liable to be broken by heavy winds, and therefore
more valuable as a street or park tree. The silver-leaved is,
however, a very valuable variety, and where partially sheltered,
or where it can have an opportunity to develop itself, it is one
of the most graceful as well as lofty of the species. As the trees
Fig. 10.— Scahlet Maple.
are all grown from seeds, there is great variety of habit among
them, some having almost as much of a drooping habit as the
willow, others of a spreading open habit, similar to the American
white elm. For lighl sandy soils the silver-leaved is perhaps
the best, as even old trees growing in such soils seem to retain
the vigor of youth, while the sugar maple, Norway, and some
28 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
others make little progress after a few years, except in deep and
strong soils.
The sugar maple {saccharinum) makes one of the most com-
pact and regular of round-headed trees, forming a dense shade
very agreeable to recline under in a hot summer's day. It is,
however, a slow grower compared with the scarlet or silver-
leaved, and should be planted only in rich, deep, and well-
drained soils.
The moosewood or striped-barked maple is a small-growing
variety, extremely pretty from its stripes of white and black
upon the young green wood. It is adapted to the outside of
groups, or to positions where a tree of only medium size is
desired.
The large-leaved maple (macrophyllum) is as yet scarce,
although introduced many years. It is of rapid growth, of a
spreading, upright habit, and of great beauty from its immense
size of foliage.
As a street shade, or for public parks, and especially as a tree
to plant near the house where shade combined with stateliness
and character are desired, the sycamore maple (2iseudo platanus)
has claims worthy of special notice. It is rapid in growth, with
foliage broad and of a rich green, intermediate in appearance
between the buttonwood or sycamore and the sugar maple.
In autumn, when dying off, it becomes a rich golden yellow.
The Norway maple (platanoides) is another variety desirable.
More upright, not as spreading as pseudo platanus, but with
large, broad leaves, not of as rapid growth, nor forming so large
a tree.
The variety commonly known as English maple (campestris)
is of slow growth, forming a very stocky round-headed tree
fifteen to twenty feet high, admirably suited for planting on
some little rounded knoll or as the center of a group of low-
growing shrubs.
DECIDUOUS TREES. 29
There are also numerous fancy varieties, such as the tricolor,
variegated-leaved, purple-leaved, cut leaved, etc., etc., all of
which are curious, and desirable in grounds of large extent ; hut
in places where a limited number only can have place, the
purple-leaved is the one particularly desirable. Its leaves are
purplish underneath and pale green above when fully expanded;
and at midsummer and thereafter until 'the fall of the leaf, every
breeze that ruffles and disturbs them produces a singular and
pleasing effect in contrast with the foliage of other varieties.
The ash-leaved maple or box elder (negundo fraxinifolivm)
is a very rapid-growing variety, of great beauty from its peculiar
formed leaves and its pale green smooth young wood. It makes
a large tree when grown in a deep, rich, moist soil ; but in a light
sandy loam or good garden soil, it forms a tree of medium size,
that from its color of young wood in winter is exceedingly
attractive and pleasing. It groups admirably with pines.
As a family, the maples have in themselves perhaps more of
the elements for ornamental uses than any other; for when
planted singly they are nearly all beautiful, some of them par-
ticularly so ; and such is their diversity of foliage in spring and
autumn, that a group of maples alone combines some of the
most pleasing contrasts obtained in landscape adornment.
Magnolia. — To this family, many varieties of which are the
pride of our Southern States, too little attention is given by the
majority of tree planters; whether it is that good plants are
difficult to be obtained, or whether it is because the trees are
rather sensitive and unwilling to be carelessly and negligently
handled when transplanting, we find few planters make room
for them on their lists or in their grounds; but how any land-
scapist can form an extensive group of evergreens and deciduous
trees without using magnolias, is beyond our comprehension.
In our experience, we have found no difficulty when transplant-
ing, provided we kept the roots from cold drying winds or clear
30
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
burning suns ; exposure to either of which, by reason of their
soft, spongy texture, is injurious, and often destructive of life.
Of the varieties all are beautiful, but some are not perfectly
hardy when grown in our Northern States. A sandy loamy soil
suits them best ; but if it is strictly dry, the trees of some varieties,
as macrophylla, etc., are liable to die out in from five to ten
years. We prefer to make our soil, when not naturally suited,
by digging a place three to four feet deep and eight to ten feet
Fig. 11.— Magnolia Acuminata.
diameter, and fill it with light, rich, fresh top soil drawn from
the woods.
The magnolia acuminata, or cucumber-tree as it is frequently
called, is very upright and regular, almost cone-like in its form,
and for backgrounds or the center of groups one of the most
desirable of all deciduous trees. It is also one of the very best
trees for parks or public grounds, as it is almost if not entirely
free from insects, and grows very rapidly while young. For
DECIDUOUS TREES.
31
street trees, where there is liability of injury to its bark or body,
we do not advise it.
The macrophylla or large-leaved magnolia grows so rapidly
while young, that in our Northern States it is comparatively
tender, and requires to be protected for eight or ten years, or
until it seems to have arrived at comparative maturity, after
which we have found it perfectly hardy. In our Southern
States, or all south of Washington, it is one of the most beautiful
of the many beautiful trees of that semi-tropical region.
The magnolia cordata is another Southern variety, but per-
Fig. 12.— Magnolia Glauca.
fectly hardy in most sections of the Northern States. It makes
a tree of medium size, and is not desirable except for large
grounds or collections. The auriculata is a variety very similar
to the acuminata in general appearance, not quite as vigorous, and
does not make as large a tree, and for parks or pleasure-grounds,
where beauty, not a botanical specimen, is the point sought for,
it is not equal in value to the acuminata.
The glauca or swamp magnolia is almost a sub-evergreen,
often retaining its foliage until January, even in our Northern
States.
33
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
Unless grafted or budded on the acuminata, it is only a dwarf,
growing from six to twenty feet high — more like a bush than a
tree. In moist, cool situations it often flowers all the season,
June to September; but in open, exposed, sunny locations it
flowers but once, in spring. The fragrance of its flowers,
together with the rich, glossy, pale-green foliage and young
shoots, form for it a shrub tree that were it to be now newly
introduced, would cause an excitement rarely known in the
arboricultural world. There are a number of sub-varieties, as
Fig. 13.— Magnolia Conspicua.
longifolia, Qordondana, Thompsoniana, etc., better, because larger
in foliage, and perhaps a little stronger in growth; but their
hardihood in all situations remains yet to be tested.
Magnolia tripetela, called the umbrella tree, when grown
north of Philadelphia, seldom acquires much size; and although
perfectly hardy where it has a season warm enough to ripen its
wood, yet the main stem often dies when it has acquired a
height of twelve to flfteen feet and a size of four to six inches
diameter ; the crown and root, however, do not die, but the root
DECIDUOUS TKEKS. 33
sends up several sprouts, making the plant rather a hush than a
tree. Its flowers are very fragrant, and as a tree to group with
mountain ash on the outskirts of pines, it is one of the most
effective. Of the Chinese varieties, the magnolia conspicua and
soulangeana are the most generally known; both are good; but
if we were to select one, it would be the soulangeana, because it is
a more rapid grower, and its flowers appear to escape injury from
late spring frosts better than the conspicua. Both are perfectly
hardy, form spreading, round-headed trees, of middle size, and
should always be placed where they will form the foreground
of a group of evergreens, on account of their flowers being pro-
duced early in spring or before the growth of their leaves.
There is a variety described as Norbertiana, with habit and
growth of the conspicua, but having flowers of a dark purplish
color and very fragrant. And another is described as Lenne,
with flowers like the soulangeana, but of more than twice their
size.
Magnolia purpurea and gracilis are both shrubs, and will be
noticed in their place, we here remarking that their planting
and arrangement as undergrowths or foregrounds to the con-
spicua and soulangeana are productive of a happy effect.
Mulberry — Mortis. — Although not a tree of the highest
beauty, yet the native mulberry is not inelegant ; and wherever
it can be grown successfully, the great value of its fruit adds
much to recommend its adoption in forming groups of deciduous
trees, as it harmonizes well with the linden, catalpa, and some
others of round heads and broad foliage. In some sections,
however, of our Northern States, the trees are tender; and
although not often killed entirely, they are frequently injured
so much in the branches as to greatly impair their regularity
and beauty. The variety now well known as " Downjng's Ever-
bearing,'' raised from seed some years ago by Charles Downing,
Newburg, N. Y., is as hardy as any ; and as its fruit is large and
2*
34
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
fine, with the addition of blossoming and ripening a long time
in succession, it is the best to plant. A rich, deep, loamy, well-
drained soil is best suited to the tree; and when possible, a
position sheltered from severe winds as Avell as strong suns in
winter, aids materially in its hardihood and productiveness In
our Northern States it can not be advised for street or park
planting, but in the Southern and Middle States both the raorus
and Broussonetia are valuable trees for such uses.
Fig. 14.— Mountain Ash.
Mountain Ash — Pyrus. — Among professional as well as
amateur planters, the European mountain ash is a deserved and
general favorite. Its white flowers in the month of May, pro-
fusely spread out over its surface in thick, flat clusters, followed
by bunches of round scarlet berries in autumn, and which if not
destroyed or eaten by birds often hang on a great part of winter,
DECIDUOUS TREES. 35
make the tree highly ornamental when planted by itself, and
still more so when it is the foreground of a cluster of spruces or
pines. It does not grow of sufficient size for a street or park
shade tree, but for small grounds and for narrow roads and
paths in cemeteries it is admirably adapted. It may be, and
usually is, grown with a single stem, with its branches thrown
out at three or four feet from the ground ; but on lawns or grass
plots, and as connected with evergreens, it is much handsomer
if permitted to throw out a number of stems directly from the
crown, as represented in our engraving.
The American variety (pyrus Americana) does not make quite
as large a tree as the European, but is more abundant in the
numbers of its flowers and fruits ; the latter, however, are not
quite as brilliant in color.
The sorb or service tree {pyrus sorbus) and the white beam
tree (2>yrus aria) are two additional varieties of occasional use ;
the former because of the tree attaining a larger size, and there-
fore better suited to some positions, and also to the fact that its
fruit, when frosted and in a state of partial decay, is by some
regarded as pleasantly palatable.
The white beam grows very compact, and its leaves being deep
green on the upper side and nearly white underneath, when
ruffled by the wind present at times a pleasing contrast with
the clear green of evergreens and other trees with which it may
be grouped.
A variety of mountain ash (qucrcifolia) introduced within a
few years past, with foliage resembling the oak, claims, however,
a first place when only oi\e tree is to be planted. Its growth is
as rapid as any variety, form very regular and symmetrical, with
foliage lobed like the oak, and bearing flowers and fruit quite
as freely as any of the varieties.
There are also a number of other sorts, as the elder-leaved,
pear-leaved, golden-striped, etc., that are each curious and beau-
dO LAWN AND SHADE TEEES.
tiful in themselves, and especially valuable in all jnaces of large
extent.
The mountain ash will grow freely in any soil, but it will not
bear much cutting away of limbs or branches.
Oak — Qucrcus. — The oak is the tree of song and tradition;
the poet, painter, historiographer, and tourist all lend their aid
to depict its beauty in association, in light and shade of land-
scape, together with its great value as a timber and food tree;
and were we writing an essay upon the beauty of light and
shade in scenery, stateliness and grandeur of tree, etc., it should
receive from us unqualified praise. But as it is, we are only out-
lining brief descriptions of popular trees for planting on street
sides, and in public and private parks of the United States, and
the truth compels us to write, that however much grand old
oaks may be admired, their use, for ornamenting lawns, or for
producing cooling shades on roadsides or grandeur in parks, as
yet has been very limited, and they can not claim to be classed
as popular in comparison with the elm and maple.
The difficulty of transplanting the oak after it has acquired a
suitable size for position on the roadside, etc., has undoubtedly
prevented its adoption in many places where the taste of the
planter would have otherwise chosen it ; and this very difficulty
has contributed to keep it out of most dealers' catalogues.
Those who desire to plant it, we advise to select the early
autumn, just as soon as the foliage is ripe, even before it falls,
as the best time for its removal. It has deep and strong tap-
roots, and they must, as far as possible, be obtained in its
removal ; and when transplanted, the ground should be at once
thoroughly saturated with water.
With all its stateliness and grandeur; its boldness and freedom
of outline ; its great variety and irreverence to the rules of
symmetry and regularity, making plantations of it when of age
so expressive and commanding, we have an impression that for
DECIDUOUS TREES.
37
our American wants, our American |:>eople have appreciated it
correctly, for with all its grandeur and beauty, many of the
varieties have the habit of retaining their dead brown leaves,
hanging in dirty masses all winter, marring rather than adorning
the landscape.
Downing says of it, that "to arrive at its highest perfection,
ample space on every side must be allowed," and where such
position can be given it in public or private grounds, we should
plant it; but in small suburban and village home grounds there
are no such places, and their owners must be content with trees
of a less historical or poetical interest.
Of the varieties most ornamental, we enumerate the rock
chestnut oak — Quercus prinua monticoh,; chestnut white oak —
Q.prinus poliistris ; yellow oak — Q. prinua acuminata; pin oak
— Q. palustris ; willow oak — Q. phellos; overcup white oak — Q.
macrocarpa; scarlet oak — Q. coccinea; and English oak, Q.rdbur.
The live oak — Q. tiirens of the South — is beautiful, and there
can be grown as a park tree ; but it will not endure the climate
of the Northern States. A very interesting and curious tree is
the cork oak — Q. suber. Its branches are covered with a cork-
like excrescence that gives to the tree a very unique and singular
appearance.
Where the proprietor of a place has a desire for oaks, our
advice is for him to prepare the ground in the several places
where the trees are to stand, and then plant the acorns, staking
around the same to prevent injury to the young plant. If the
soil is inade deep and rich, the plants will grow very rapidly,
sometimes making four to five feet in a single season.
Osage Orange— Madura. — The osage orange is generally
grown for the purpose of forming hedges, but when grown
singly it makes a tree of medium size, with a regular round
head, covered with clean glossy foliage and rich golden fruit,
in appearance resembling the orange of commerce.
38 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
It is admirably suited as a lawn tree for small plots, and for
grouping with other round-headed deciduous trees of larger
growth. In this latter position it should always be on the out-
side of the group. It grows very rapidly while young, but after
attaining a height of fifteen to twenty feet its growth is more
moderate. It is a tree well suited for planting on the narrow
avenues of cemeteries, and for bold, rugged fronts of rocky
banks; but is of too small size for roadsides or park avenues.
Upon lawns of large extent, an elegant monster shrub tree
Fig. 15.— Osage Orange.
can be created from the osage orange by annually heading it
back near to the ground until it is induced to send up a dozen
leading stems instead of one ; these again, as they grow, want
heading back more or less from year to year, until the plant
becomes a gigantic bush rather than a tree.
The tree is easily and, generally, very successfully transplanted ;
and although it grows most vigorously in a deep, rich, light
loam, yet it will grow freely in any soil not wet.
Poplar — PojjuIus. — Many of the poplars are valuable trees in
DECIDUOUS TREES.
39
the decoration of scenery, but their use must be with moderation,
because of a sameness and formality belonging to many of
them that makes their too free use give a monotonous and
Fig. 16. — Lombardy Poplar.
wearying character. They are all of very rapid growth, easily
transplanted, and some of them form trees of immense size.
For the purpose of giving variety and spirit to grounds where
the round-headed trees arc most abundant, one or two Lombardy
poplars — fopulus dilatata — may be introduced with great effect;
40 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
and again, two or three trees of it, planted directly in the rear
of the dwelling, furnish a relief and background, adding greatly
to the appearance as a picture. When distant views are desired,
permission to plant one or two Lombardy poplars at or near the
point will serve to attract the eye, and in themselves add an air
of animation to the scene. It should never be planted as a
foreground tree, or near water, or in low grounds ; and as an
avenue tree, its stiff, regular form creates monotony that becomes
tiresome.
The balsam poplar — hdmwiifera — and the balm of Gilead
poplar — candicans — very much resemble each other in their rapid
growth and spreading habit ; but their foliage is entirely dis-
tinct, the former having lanceolate oval leaves, while the latter
has very large, broad, heart-shaped foliage, and is much the
most desirable. Both are good for roadside trees or broad
avenues, and their use in filling up low grounds or bordering
streams of water is always satisfactory. As a background tree,
covering and shading barns or other farm-buildings, the balm
of Gilead is very effective.
The silver poplar — abele — is a tree remarkable for its silvery
white underside of foliage, that at every rustle of the wind
gives it, when seen from a distance, very much the appearance
of a tree covered with white blossoms.
It was once pretty generally planted in lawns and groups, but
the disposition which it has to sucker makes it extremely objec-
tionable for such positions. As a tree to make conspicuous some
particular high point, or, where possible, to form the foreground
of a group of dark firs, it is very desirable, and always effective.
All the poplars bear the smoke and dust of cities with great
indifference ; and where pavements will serve to keep down the
suckers, they are desirable, because of their extremely rapid
growth, exceeding perhaps that of any other tree.
Pepperidge — Nyssa. — The sour gum or pepperidge tree is
DECIDUOUS TREES.
41
generally, when wild, found growing in moist or wet land, but
it will thrive in any good deep soil. The tree has no particular
claims to beauty in its habit of growth, but from its dark green
glossy foliage in summer, and the brilliant fiery tinge which it
takes on when ripening its leaves, it is extremely valuable for
forming groups in the picturesque style. A single tree of it
even, standing at some distance from the house, and where
its brilliant autumn tints can be readily seen, often forms for
Fig. 17.— Persimmon.
weeks a feature of beauty surpassing that of any other on the
place.
Persimmon — Diospyros. — The persimmon or Virginia date
plum makes an open, irregular, half round-headed, rather erect
tree of pleasing character and of a medium size, that fits it well
for grounds of limited extent. It groups well with the English
elm, the bird cherry, and others; and when the value of its fruit
is regarded, deserves a place in almost all grounds. In the
southern sections of Illinois, Missouri, etc., there are varieties of
it that ripen their fruits long before frost ; but the wild trees of
42 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
its northern limits generally produce a very austere fruit, quite
uneatable until after mellowed by frost.
It is a good tree for planting in cemeteries, and for rocky
positions where a light, airy character is desired to be retained.
Any good soil will answer for it, although it grows most
vigorously in rich, deep, rather moist loams.
Paulo wnia — Paulownia. — There are few localities in the
Northern States where the paulownia can command much
attention, for while the tree may remain uninjured, the flower-
buds are almost invariably destroyed by the cold. Southward,
where the catalpa flourishes, the paulownia is a desirable
acquisition. In growth and habit it much resembles the catalpa,
but its flowers are of a purple or bluish lilac color. For situa-
tions and climates suited to the catalpa, the paulownia will be
found alike adapted.
Sassafras — Laurus. — As an open foreground tree for groups,
the glossy deep green foliage of the sassafras, and its irregular
swaying branches, make it especially desirable. Even while
young, the peculiar cracked and gray of its bark give an ap-
pearance of age, to some extent adding antiquity of character
to a new place.
Tulip Tree — Liriodcndron. — The tulip or whitewood is one
of the most beautiful and stately of our native trees. It is a
rapid grower, erect, yet partially spreading, forming a regular,
even, conically rounded head, with a large, broad, rich, glossy
leaf, and smooth, clean bark. Like the magnolias, its roots are
soft, and do not bear exposure to dry winds or sun when trans-
planting, and the planter must use care and attention in their
removal. For avenues for public or private parks, for single
trees upon lawns, and especially for shade near the house, there
is no tree its superior. In the month of June its profusion of
large tulip-like yellow flowers give it a richness and beauty all
unlike that of any other tree, and to our view only equaled by
DECIDUOUS TREES. 43
some of the magnolias. It requires a dry and deep rich soil,
in order to develop its greatest beauty; but it will thrive in any
good loam where there is a perfect drainage.
Walnut — Juglans. — Under the name of walnut we have the
European walnut, and the black walnut of our native forests.
The European walnut, perhaps most commonly known as
Madeira nut, although largely planted in France and Germany
for its fruit, has not received much attention in this country.
In our Northern States it is not quite hardy. As an ornamental
tree, in a climate suited to it, it makes a pleasing variety because
of the contrast in its foliage with that of most other trees ; but
as it casts its foliage early in the season, it can not be commended
for planting except in grounds of large extent and variety.
The black walnut — juglans nigra — makes a very rapid growth,
and becomes a very large and spreading tree. For broad streets
in the country, or for massing in grounds of great extent, it is
desirable ; but when there is only a limited space of say an acre
or two to lie planted, or a narrow avenue, it should not be used.
As a single tree, where it can have space, the light and shade
created by its foliage, and its sweeping, bold ramifications of
outline, give to it an expression of beauty ; but it must have
room.
Willow — Salix, — There is a large genus of willows, all of
narrow leaves and slender branches or spray. Few of them,
however, are calculated for general introduction for ornamental
planting. The weeping varieties will be found treated of under
their appropriate head. Of the others, the golden — salix vitellina,
with its bright yellow bark, is a tree deserving of adoption
wherever it can be grouped with the birch, wild cherry, or trees
of a like character. It should be used, however, very sparingly,
one or two being sufficient for grounds of even large extent.
Occasionally a position is found where a single tree becomes
very beautiful, from its rich shade of spray in winter, and its
44 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
peculiar green foliage in summer. In. ordinary grounds it forms
only a tree of moderate size; but in rich strong soils, and near
water, it makes a large spreading tree. It is not at all suited
for planting in parks or for bordering avenues or streets, but
may be sometimes introduced in cemeteries, and especially
because that it will bear to have its roots and branches cut back
to any extent almost without appearing to affect its health or
vigor.
The white willow — scdix alia — has of late years been frecpiently
used in some portions of the Western States for forming hedges
and screens. It is of rapid growth, and when permitted to grow
by itself, forms epiite a large tree. It also may be sparsely intro-
duced where light and airy groups are desired.
Weeping deciduous tkees. 45
CHAPTER III.
WEEPING DECIDUOUS TREES.
Within a few years the popular taste has been largely turned
to the introduction of drooping trees as objects of graceful
beauty, harmonizing with the smoothness and verdure of a lawn,
or the high keepiug and neatness of a pleasure-garden. Indeed,
to such an extent has this taste prevailed, that the very object
aimed at in their introduction has been often defeated by a too
free use of them, as well as by their arrangement in masses, when
their side branches— which are their peculiar beauty— are inter-
mingled or hidden entirely, and by their too heedless distribu-
tion on all sides.
Drooping trees, like water fountains, are dangerous in the
hands of those who attempt their use in the decoration of
grounds without possessing a considerable knowledge and good
taste in the composition of a landscape. Gracefulness and
elegance being the prominent characteristics of drooping trees,
they are shown to best advantage either singly or in wide yet
tasteful groups, on lawns or borders, where symmetrical art,
rather than the natural picturesque, is sought to be embodied as
the leading feature. Where bold expression is desired, they are
entirely unfitted; and when planted mixed indiscriminately with
those of upright, round-headed forms, their individual character
is lost. Placed on the borders of groups, at sufficient distance
to enable them to exhibit their peculiar habits and develop
freely their forms, many of the drooping trees may be used
effectively, provided the group of which they form a part is
composed of trees with similar pensile, although not so distinct,
4G
LAWN AND SHADE TREES
habits of foliage or spray, as exhibited in the American elm,
black birch, or wild cherry.
For planting on the borders of ponds, or streams of running
water, or as symbols of sympathy between the living and the
dead in cemeteries, they are all valuable ; and with judicious
knowledge of their expansion in growth, to arrange them on
lots or in positions suitable to their future lives, they can not be
too much used.
Fig. 18.— European Weeping Ash.
The European Weeping Ash — Fraxinus excelsior pendula. —
This is one of the oldest varieties of weeping trees known, and
more extensively planted than any. It was discovered about
the middle of the last century, growing in a field in England.
The branches are stiff, and can not be called graceful in their
downward curves; but its clean, glossy foliage and its very
rapid growth render it one of the most valuable, especially for
forming arbors.
WEEPING DECIDUOUS TREES.
47
The Gold-Barked Weeping Ash — Aurea pendula. — This is a
singular variety, because of its bright, golden-yellow bark,
which gives it a striking appearance when devoid of foliage. In
growth and habit it is similar to the last-named.
The Lentiscus- Leaved Weeping Ash — Lentiscifolia pendula.
— A tree of later introduction than the two preceding. Equally
rapid in its growth, but with branches more slender and grace-
ful. It is much the most beautiful in appearance* but in some
Fig. 19. — Weeping Beech.
locations is not perfectly hardy, losing occasional branches,
which destroy its symmetry. There are two other varieties of
weeping ash, viz.. the gold-striped bark weeping, with varie-
gated foliage, and the weeping black, with very dark-green
foliage. We have never seen either of them of any size, and
therefore can not speak of their values.
The Weeping Beech — Fagus pendula. — This we consider the
king of all the drooping trees. It is perfectly hardy, grows
freely and rapidly in almost any soil, and forms one of the most
graceful and picturesque yet unique trees. Its branches are
thrown out irregularly, while its spray is long, descending
4S
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
almost perpendicularly downward. For creating a distinct
strongly-marked, and attractive feature for universal admiration
on the skirts of a lawn, it has no superior.
The European Weeping Birch— Betula pendula.—k tree of
rapid, upright, spreading growth, that while young exhibits
very little of a drooping habit, and even when old is not marked
Fig. 20.— Cut-Leaved Weeping Birch.
as a weeper, like many others. Tt is, however, very graceful,
and as it increases in years presents more and more of the pensile
features that, combined with its delicate foliage, make it a
charming tree for grouping with others of a like slender sjjray
and airy foliage.
The Cut-Leaved Weeping Btrch — Betula lasciniata pendida.
• — An elegant, erect tree, similar to the preceding, but with
WEEPING DECIDUOUS TKEES.
49
more slender drooping branches, and with delicately cut leaves,
that attract and please every observer.
The Ever -Flowering Weeping Cherry — Cerasus semper
florens. — This is of comparatively recent introduction, and forms
a charming tree of a decided drooping habit, and producing a
succession of flowers and fruit all the season.
The Dwarf Weeping Cherry — Cerasus pumila. — For small
grounds, points on the outskirts of a group, or other positions
where a limited space only can be allowed, this is one of the
prettiest of weepers. Its branches are slender and decidedly
Fig. 21.— Dwakf Weeping Cuerht.
drooping, growing freely, and forming a charmingly graceful
little round head.
The Scotch Weeping Elm — Ulmus montana pendula. — The
habit of this variety of weeping elm is very irregular, sometimes
spreading its branches fan-like, at others drooping them almost
perpendicularly downward. It is a tree of rapid growth, with
an abundance of coarse, heavy, dark foliage, that is suitable for
positions where it can have abundance of room, and where it
will be viewed at some little distance. This is the variety
generally found in the nurseries ; but there arc two varieties of
more recent introduction, which we consider superior in growth,
as they certainly are in symmetry of form.
3
50 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
One of these, the Scampston, droops its branches very dis-
tinctly and regularly, giving the tree a symmetrical form, almost
as regular as if it had been trained, trimmed, and tied from time
to time by the hands of a skillful gardener. The other variety
is called the Camperdowk, and differs from the Scampston in its
branches, having a less tendency to regular drooping, and its
foliage not being quite as abundant.
There are also two varieties, called the roughdeaved weeping
and the Hertfordshire weeping, that are not counted as desirable
Fig. 22.— Scampston Weeping Elm.
as those previously named. There is also one called the small-
leaved weeping, which is said to be very pretty and distinct.
The White-Leaved Weeping Linden — Tilia alba pendula. — ■
Although a tree of slender drooping shoots, it is not a weeper
after the style of the weeping willow'; but, like the birch, as it
increases in years, it exhibits a drooping habit, that combined
with the silvery character given to its foliage when stirred by
the breeze, by their white under-surface, makes it one of the
most attractive and graceful of lawn trees. It is of rapid
WEEPENTG DECIDUOUS TREES.
51
growth, and deserves to be planted in every place of any
extent.
The Weeping Mountain Ash — Pi/rus aucuparia pendula. —
This is a rapid growing, beautiful variety of the mountain ash.
Its long, pendulous branches, with their white flowers in spring,
and red berries thereafter, make it very beautiful and attractive.
Those who plant it should, however, remember that it is
extremely liable to be attacked by the borer, and unless closely
Fig. 23. — White-Leaved Weeping Linden.
watched, the tree will be found destroyed ere the owner is
aware.
The "Weeping Poplar — Populus tremula pendula. — One of
the most rapid growing of all the weepers, and while young, its
decidedly pendulous branches, neat and pretty foliage, make it
especially desirable. As it increases in years, however, it puts
on more of an erect habit, until at times its upper limbs present
very small indications of a weeping habit. For large grounds,
52
LAWN AND SHADE TT.EES.
or groups of weepers, or as a tree to plant a little back from the
margin of lakes or large ponds, it is desirable ; but for small
grounds, or for cemetery lots, where we have of late occasionally
seen it planted, it will not prove as satisfactory and pleasing as
many others.
The Weeping Sophora — Sopliora Japonka pcmlula. — The
smooth, dark-green, and very pendulous branches, together with
its pinnate leaves, give to this tree a very elegant appearance.
It is a rapid grower, but does not form a very large or spreading
head, and is therefore an admirable tree for grounds or positions
Fig. 24.— Weei>ing Mountain Ash.
of limited extent. Although we occasionally find trees of it
that have stood the winters of years perfectly in our Northern
States, yet it is unfortunately a little liable to be injured by
extremes of temperature, and probably from this cause has not
been as extensively planted as its beauty would seem to merit.
Where it can be grown perfectly free from winter's injury, it
may be counted as one of a choice collection.
TIicWeepixg Willow — Salix Babylonica. — Our old, common,
and well-known weeping willow, like too many other trees that
WEEPING DECIDUOUS TREES. 53
are familiar to all, is neglected, yet it deserves the attention of
every planter of weeping trees. It may be that because we have
so often watched the willow droop and dip its branches in the
water of some stream or lake, seeming as it were to sympathize
with and kiss the sparkling drops that it disturbed as the gentle
winds swayed its tresses of light and elegant foliage, we have
come to love it, and regard no water landscape as comjalete
without the graceful flowing lines of the old Babylonian willow.
From long usage it has come to be associated with either water
or the sadness of life — in the one case indicative of a marshy
region or stream of water, in the other of the last resting-place
w
arf
■
m
Fig. 25.— American, or Fountain Willow.
of friends once on earth. Beautiful as it is in itself, however,
these very associations preclude its introduction into almost any
suburban or even extended country place. By the side of a
spring at the foot of a hill, or bordering a stream where crossed
by a bridge, or in large grounds, shading almost entirely from
view the under-gardener's house, . -ire some of the places where its
position produce; a satisfactory effect ; but if planted near where
art and architecture have combined to give a tone of Grandeur
and magnificence, its form of outline and waving spray seem
rather to weaken than add to the appearance of cultivation and
refinement
54
LAWN AND SHADE TEEES.
The American, or Fountain Willow — Salix Americana
pendula.—K variety with very slender, graceful branches, which
droop perpendicular]}^, like so many cords, that, taken with its
light and comparatively sparse foliage, form for it one of the
most airy and pleasing weepers in the whole list. It is admir-
ably adapted for planting upon small lots in cemeteries.
The Kilmarnock Willow — Salix caprea pendula. — We
know of no one weeping tree that in the same length of
Fig. 26.— Kilmarnock Willow.
time has become so universally known and so extensively
planted. Its foliage, large, glossy, and abundant, its pendulous,
close, and regular habit, with its brown-colored branches, that
are almost hidden within its foliage, render it one of the most
distinctive as well as graceful trees that have been for many
years added to our collections. It is perfectly hardy, and
almost unlike anything else, seems to adapt itself to almost any
position, whether as a point tree to define a road, a specimen of
WEEPING DECIDUOUS TREES. 55
beauty and attraction on a small lawn or garden plot, or as an
outline to some more aspiring tree of a similar drooping caste.
The Weeping Acacia — Robinia tortuosa pendula. — This is a
variety of the locust, with long, drooping, irregular branches,
too large in size to form with the light open leaf, which it has,
a tree of much beauty. It is singular, and in some rocky
positions is well suited; but it has not sufficient beauty for
planting, as we have often seen done, near where it has to be
passed in daily walking to and from the house.
The Weeping Larch — Larix pendula. — We have seen people
go into almost ecstasies over this peculiar weeper ; but to our
taste, its graceful drooping spray is destroyed by its grotesque
irregular habit, sometimes branching off at one point eight or
ten feet almost horizontally, destroying all symmetry, which is a
part of grace. For creating a picturesque effect upon a rocky
side-hill, or near a water-course or pond springing out from a
bold bank, its introduction would be desirable ; but for placing
upon a smooth, well-kept lawn where all is symmetrically beau-
tiful, its use creates a contrast too great for harmony.
The Weeping Thorn. — There are several varieties of weeping
thorns — crattegus — all of them pretty, and well suited for plant-
ing on small lawns or in cemeteries. The pyracantha folia
pendula and rosea pendula are, perhaps, two of the best. They
are improved by clipping, and when in flower are peculiarly
interesting and beautiful. Their steins should be carefully
watched, as, otherwise, an insect is liable to bore into and de-
stroy them.
5G LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
CHAPTER IV.
DECIDUOUS TREES WTTII COLORED OR VARIEGATED FOLIAGE.
The use of trees with variegated foliage is becoming popular.
Their introduction into groups may occasionally be admissible,
but as a rule they should be planted only where they can stand
alone and develop themselves fully.
In writing of trees in previous pages, we have occasionally
named one or more varieties, but for the more ready use of the
reader will here recapitulate somewhat of what we have written,
and add thereto remarks upon other sorts. Of those having
purple or pui^lish-colored foliage, the beech, elm. and maple
all are desirable and very beautiful for single lawn trees, where
they can have room to develop themselves fully in growth, and
where they can be viewed at some little distance.
The purple-leaved filbert and barberry are shrubs, conspicuous
for planting where trees can not have room, and where variety
and peculiarity of foliage will assist in making up the beauty of
the grounds.
The spotted or variegated-leaved trees are more admissible
in groups ; and when their growth is free and healthy, serve to
add variety with beauty; but, as we have before said, it is better
to plant them singly and as features of sj^ecial attraction.
For this purpose the golden-leaved beech, variegated-leaved
cherry, variegated-leaved horse-chestnut, silver striped-leaved
aiaple, and variegated-leaved plum are among the best.
EVERGREEN TREES. 57
CHAPTER V.
EVERGREEN TREES.
The use of evergreens is becoming yearly more and more
appreciated, both as effective in ornamental planting and as an
item of practical economy in the matter of hedges and screens
for protection of half hardy plants, orchards, or buildings from
cold and harsh winds and storms.
In ornamental planting, their use is often very imperfectly
understood, and many places are rendered gloomy and dark
from their too free use in the foreground, or immediately about
the house. There is a great deal of beauty in evergreens, but
as a class for effective scenery creative of varied beauty, they
have not the qualities that are embraced in the changing char-
acter from month to month of deciduous trees. For perfect
scenery, however, covering the entire year, it would be impos-
sible to dispense with evergreens. If used judiciously in
arrangement, sparingly in the foreground, and using those of
the lightest and most vivid shades of green in foliage, grouping
them at the same time with mountain ash, euonymus or straw-
berry tree, etc., with their red clusters of fruit in winter, and
massing the back-ground with varieties of dark foliage, great
effect may be produced, and a pleasant life-like character given
to grounds that otherwise in the winter season would be barren
and dreary.
Some few years since, many regarded the transplanting of
evergreens as one of the difficult items in arboriculture, requir-
ing the skill and experience of a practical gardener. It was
also counted unsafe to move them except at particular seasons
3*
58 LAWN AND SHADE TKEES.
of the year, or with balls of earth attached, and a few planters
yet hold to these early views; but those of more practice find
that it is no more difficult to transplant an evergreen when taken
from the nursery than to perform the same operation with any
deciduous tree. It is true there are exceptions among evergreens,
some proving more difficult than others, but the instances or
kinds are not more numerous than with deciduous trees.
In transplanting, it is only requisite to remember that the tree
has its leaves on, and that there is consequently a constant de-
mand upon the roots for evaporation, and therefore it will not
do to permit them to get dry. With small-sized trees, a root
nearly corresponding with the top is generally procured when
the trees have been rightly grown in the nursery, and cutting
in the top is unnecessary ; but in the case of removal of trees
six feet or more in height, unless extraordinary care is taken, a
great reduction of root is the result, and then it is advisable
always to shorten in the length of the branches corresponding
with the apparent loss of roots the tree has sustained.
A very great variety of evergreens have been introduced dur-
ing the past fifteen or twenty years, but of them few have proved
of a hardihood or beauty to command notice as trees for popu-
lar use ; and as in these pages we write for the general public
rather than for a few amateurs, we shall only describe such as
may be safely depended upon in all locations.
The White Pine. Pinus strobus. — The White or Weymouth
Pine is common in various parts of the Union, and deserving
of a first place in every collection. It is of rapid growth, beau-
tiful in every stage, from a small plant of one foot high to that
of a stately tree towering one hundred or more feet in the air,
and swaying its horizontal tiers of branches and tufts of airy
light-green foliage to the breeze. When grown in strong soil
it acquires a thick, compact form ; but in soils of a gravelly
or sandy nature, somewhat dry and jDoor, its shoots and trunk
EVERGREEN TREES.
59
harmonize in their length and openness to the airy light cast
of its foliage, and it there becomes one of the most beautiful
of evergreens in its graceful tapering form and easy broken out-
line. For grouping with the larch, birch, etc., it is one of the
most appropriate among evergreens; and for planting in close
Fio. 27. — The White Pine.
proximity to buildings, or points toward which it desired to
direct attention, it is particularly well suited. As a hedge or
screen plant it bears the shears well, and forms a wall second
only to the hemlock or Norway spruce.
GO
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
The Bhotan Pine. Pinus excelsa. — This variety resembles
the white pine, except that its foliage is longer and its branches
somewhat pendulous, but in our Northern States it can not be
regarded as perfectly hardy. In the southern Middle States it is
one of the rinest among evergreens, and should be freely planted.
Fig. 28.- Bhotan Pine.
The Yellow Pine. Pinus mitis. — This is a very handsome
variety when well grown, but while young its growth is quite
slow, and on that account it is rarely grown or planted. Its
foliage is a dark rich green, long and flexible.
The Austrian Pine. Pinus Austriaca. — The Austrian Pine
in rich deep soils forms one of the most dense trees of the whole
pine family. It is of rapid growth, with rich deep blue-green
foliage, that for backgrounds or masses is admirably suited.
EVERGREEN TREES.
61
As a single tree, also, upon a lawn, it is always beautiful ; and,
when the scenery will admit, groujjs of this pine with the tulip
tree, mountain ash, dogwood, etc., tire exceedingly effective.
There is a Southern Pine — Pin us Australia — native of our
Fig. 29.— The Austhtan Pine.
Southern States, that has leaves much longer than the Austriaca,
and of a lighter more yellow green. Tt. however, is not hardy
in the middle Northern States unless shielded, or surrounded,
in fact, with other evergreens. South, where it is hardy, few
varieties surpass it in beauty.
62
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
The Russian Pine. Pinusrigensis. — This is a variety claimed
by some writers to be so like unto the Scotch Pine — P. sijlvestria
— as not to be worthy of rank as a species. Trees, however,
that we have imported and grown are so entirely different from
that variety, that we must claim it deserving a special rank.
The tree is of about as rapid growth as tt e Austrian, with its
Fig. 30.— The Russian Pine.
limbs and branches more loose and open or longer spaced, while
its foliage is more in tufts, much longer than the Austrian, and
of a lighter more yellowish green, very bright and clear. It is
nearer to Benthamiana than any other variety with which we
have had opportunity to compare it. In groups or masses with
the Scotch, Corsican, and Austrian, it forms yet another shade,
EVEKGEEEN TREES.
63
and we have found its use a valuable addition in producing
effect.
The Banksian Pine. Pinus Banksiana. — This variety is
classed as a scrub pine of low slow growth and little value,
and so we regarded it twenty-five years ago, when we procured
Fig. 31.— The Scotch Pine.
specimens of it in the barren sands of islands in Lake Michigan.
Those same plants, however, are now some of them trees forty
feet high and extremely beautiful. It has a swayed drooping
64 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
habit as it grows, but makes a conical and very graceful tree.
The foliage is short, light yellowish green, and so unlike any
other variety that it is extremely valuable even in grounds of
quite limited extent. It is perfectly hardy.
The Scotch Pine. Pinus syhestris. — The Scotch Pine is
perhaps one of the most rapid growers among pines, and is also
very easy of management, transplanting with rarely a failure,
and growing freely in almost any soil or situation. While
young, it forms a pretty compact tree ; but as it acquires age,
the lower limbs sway toward the ground, giving it rather a
picturesque than beautiful appearance. The low price at which
trees of it have been sold, together with its easy and rapid
growth, have induced its planting, until we confess to its
having become to us wearisome. It may be sparingly intro-
duced in the formation of groups or masses ; and for pict ciresque
distant views, and for belts or masses for breaking the torce of
storms and wind, it is very desirable ; but as a single t-ee, or for
groups in small grounds, we prefer to leave it out.
The Corsican Pine. Pinus Jarico. — The Corsican Pine is a
variety between the Scotch and Austrian — with the general
habit of growth of the Scotch, perhaps not as much sway to its
branches as it grows old — leaves somewhat longer than the
Scotch, but not as long or as dark a green as the Austrian, more
yellowish. It transplants and grows with the same facility as
the Scotch, and is desirable as a variety and to form groups or
masses with that or other varieties.
The Bentham Pine. Pinus Benthamiana. — The Bentham
Pine is comparatively of recent introduction, and where spread-
ing stateliness of character is wanted, cither in a single tree or
group, that or the Heavy Wooded Pine — Pinus pondetosa --pro-
mise to supply the object. It is of rapid growth, with dark
green foliage, long leaves in tufts, bat instead of being com-
pact, it is open, and stately and majestic in form. We should
EVEEGKEEN TEEE8.
65
group it with the European sycamore, the tulip or magnolia
trees.
The Heavy Wooded Pixe. Finns ponderosa. — The Ponder-
ous or Heavy Wooded Pine is another variety like the last-
named, of comparatively recent introduction. It is also of a
stately habit, with long leaves of a rich yellow green color.
Fig. 32.— The Ponderous PraE.
This as well as Bentham's Pine attain a very large size when
fully grown, and are therefore adapted only to positions where
room can be given them in future years. We do not know how
well they may bear pinching or rubbing back to reduce their
size and increase their compactness, but judging from their
habit, doubt the value of such practice with them.
66
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
The Calabrian Pine. Pinus brutia. — This is an exceedingly
rare and very beautiful variety, resembling the Austrian, but
with somewhat longer leaves, each of which presents a twisted
wavy character, and a shade of green half way between the
Corsican and Austrian in color. In its original native land — the
mountains of Calabria — it grows to a height of seventy to one
Fig. 33.— Calabrian Pine.
hundred feet, and judging from specimens we have seen here, it
promises even to surpass its native height. For positions singly
upon broad open lawns, or to crown some headland point, it
has the characteristics of form, color, and broad majestic state-
liness to make its use very effective.
EVERGREEN TREES. G7
Once it becomes of seed-bearing age, the remarkable massing
or clustering of its cones adds greatly to its beauty and attract-
iveness. Whenever this variety can be procured to take the
place in grouping of, or in association with, the Austrian, it
should be planted ; hut at present it is so rare that we can only
look for its being placed in some prominent single position upon
the lawn.
The Swiss Stone Pine. Pinus cemora. — The Cembrian or
Swiss Stone Pine is a very compact and somewhat slow-growing
variety, resembling the white pine, except that its foliage is
shorter and more stiff. It is well suited to the foreground of
groups of that variety. It is perfectly hardy, and very handsome.
The Pitch Pine. Pinus rigida. — For the purpose of creating
a wild and somewhat romantic effect upon some rocky hillside,
or in the formation of a broken group, the pitch pine may be
used with good effect ; but as a tree for general use in orna-
mental planting, the dark rich green of its foliage, and the
facility with which it can be grown in any soil, are its only
claims to notice.
The Norway Pine. Pinus resinosa. — The Red or Norway
Pine is of rapid growth, quite handsome while young, its foliage
being a dark rich green ; but as it acquires age it becomes some-
times too open and sparse of foliage to render it specially desir-
able, except in large grounds. In the formation of masses we
should use one or more of this variety.
The Mammoth Tree of California. Sequoia gigantea. —
The growth and appearance of this new California evergreen is
extremely graceful and beautiful. It is known under the various
names of Washingtonia, Wellingtonia, and Bastard Cedar, and
was originally classed as a Taxodium, supposing it to belong to
the same genus as the deciduous cypress. It was first discovered
in 1831. It has been found growing abundantly on the mount-
ains of Santa Cruz, about sixty miles from Monterey, in Cali-
G8
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
forma, where its average height is two hundred feet, with trunks
from eighteen to twenty-four feet in circumference, quite straight
and clear of branches to the height of sixty or severity feet. It
grows rapidly in almost any soil, and may yet become one of
out most valuable timber trees for planting South and West,
The wood is of a beautiful red, fine and close-grained, light
and durable, and like red cedar never attacked by insects.
Fig. S4.— Mammoth Tree of California.
As an ornamental tree, it must be used where room can be
given, looking forward to its immense ultimate growth. As a
graceful lawn tree, or as a center tree to an extensive group of
cypress, both evergreen and deciduous, larch, birch, etc., it is
well suited by its strong yet light and airy character. With
EVERGREEN TEEES.
69
foliage between the arborvitoe and cypress, it throws out its
limbs or branches at first horizontally ; but they soon assume a
gentle graceful curve, that gives to the tree a light, easy, and
attractively pleasing form, rendering it very desirable for plant-
ing in grounds of considerable extent, or for the bordering of
some parts of a wide avenue or entrance road to an estate. Its
hardihood is perhaps not yet perfectly tested at the North ; but
Fig. 35.— The Latvson Cypress.
from its native habitat, and the many exposures that trees of it
have received, and their so far success, there is every reason to
believe that it will prove hardy in most locations.
The tree, from the peculiar habit it has of making perpen-
dicular rather than horizontal roots, should lie transplanted
while quite young, say not more than two or three years old.
To insure perfect success, it is best to obtain young plants in
pots..
fO LAWN AND SI.PE TREES.
The Thttjopsis Borealis is mew evergreen, with delicate
foliage, resembling somewhat th cypress, rather dark in color,
of a rapid growth, hardy ; and Jr planting where delicacy in
spray and foliage is desirable, it promises of value. We have
seen few specimens of any size.
The Lawson Cypress. Cuprcus Lawsoniana. — This we con-
sider one of the greatest acquisions that has been made for
many years to our list of hard} vergreena Its foliage resem-
bles tbe arborvita;, but its habhs that of the hemlock. As a
lawn tree, or for association and lanting near water, or in cem-
eteries where there is room, its lauty of foliage and form ren-
ders it every way desirable. Tire is a variety of this called
Pyramidalis, that is more dense nd upright, but to us not as
beautiful.
The Balsam Fir. Picca baUaea. — The Balsam Fir is a very
handsome, compact, erect-pointc tree while young; but as it
acquires age its lower limbs cl away; and as a single tree it
often presents a ragged, neglced appearance. As a center
tree, or for points in the form: on of groups, it is desirable;
and as a tree for belts, where v ! ivy winds arc experienced,
it proves admirably adapted, i light, sandy soils its beauty
lasts about twelve years, while iirieli, deep clay loams it carries
its foliage on the lower limbs ad its beauty from twenty to
thirty years. Where it can be ad cheap, it 18 well suited for
massing, using the European Sirer Fir and American Spruce
for outsides.
The European Silver Fir. *ia a pectinate. — The European
Silver Fir is one of our most boitiful evergreen trees. From
its slow growth while young, ai oft a losing its leading shoot
until it gains a height of six to ghl feet, many persons neglect
planting it. They, however, daol know its lasting beauty and
permanence of form as it acquiri a . or they would never leave
it out of a collection. Its brames arc spreading horizontally
EVERGfcEEtf r£E3S§.
71
erect, while its foliage is always a ch dark green on the upper
side, and silvery underneath, and, ulike many other evergreens,
it never looks dingy at any seasoi of the year. A rich, deep,
rather moist soil suits it best, an it groups elegantly with
magnolia acuminata, the Americaiash, and ginko. It docs not
Fig. 36— The, Europea Silver Fir.
answer well as a screen plant for bts, being unable to endure
exposed situations where severe wins and storms beat against
it, and yet it is perfectly hardy. It sould be remembered, when
planting, that this tree acquires aarge size, and must have
plenty of room.
72
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
The Nordjiax's Fir. Picea Nordmaniana. — This is an old
variety, but comparatively rare. It is of rapid growth, with
rich green foliage, that attracts attention at once. It is per-
fectly hardy, and should be more generally grown and planted.
The Pixsapo Fir. Picca Pinsapo. — This is an elegant tree,
with short, roundish, sharp-pointed leaves, set thick around all
Fig. 37. — The American White Spbuce.
its branches and shoots, giving the tree rather a stiff, but unique
and beautiful appearance. It is quite hardy, and so distinct and
regular as to make it desirable as a lawn or single tree. The
Noble Silver Fir, the Mount Enos Fir, Hudson's Bay Fir, and
EVERGREEN TREES. 73
Cephalonian Fir are all hardy, and varieties of value in large
grounds. The Cephalonian is of a spreading habit, broad rather
than high, and for planting in position where some ground
scene is desirable to be hidden without obstructing the upper
view, is a tree for adoption.
The American White Spruce. Abies alba. — For planting in
small grounds, for the outskirts of groups and masses, for points
on roadways, and for cemeteries, the American White and Red
Spruces are deserving of far more general use than they have
received. Pyramidal tapering, regular and yet irregular, com-
pact without losing its pleasing variety of regular outline,
attaining only a moderate size, the White Spruce is far more
suited to position on small lawns or outside masses, or borders
of half-acre lots, than the Norway, which is much more com-
monly planted.
The American Red Spruce. Abies rubra. — The American
Red Spruce has a half drooping habit, especially of its young
branches, and its whole form while rising to a cone is decidedly
picturesque. As a tree to aid in creating a romantic effect on
a rocky point, or to associate with the flowing ease and mellow-
ness of water scenery, it is well suited ; and so also from its lim-
ited size and irregular drooping yet airy form, counterbalanced
by its dark and almost gloomy foliage, is it well adapted for
planting in cemeteries.
The Norway Spruce. Abies excelsa. — The Norway Spruce is
now the popular evergreen tree for all planting. Unfortunately,
it is used without regard to appropriateness of position or space,
and hence, while beautiful in itself when allowed room for de-
velopment, it frequently has to be so mutilated, in order to keep
it within the limit which can be granted, that it is no more a
Norway Spruce, or tree of beauty. Of the thousands sold and
planted, few, comparatively, ever exhibit the character of grand-
eur and graceful beauty that belongs to the true Norway.
4
74
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
Among the millions in nurseries, all grown from seed, a largo
number have no characteristics to ever make them trees of
grandeur, while yet they may be trees of beauty. The planter
in selecting should look for plants with long, pendent shoot-;,
rather than stiff, erect, or horizontal ones, as it is only the former
Fig. 38.— The American Red SrnucE.
that will make trees of the greatest beauty. For masses or
groups, this swaying, drooping, picturesquely-graceful habit is
of less consequence than when the tree is to stand by itself, and
for hedge or belt screen growing, to which the Norway is well
adapted, the close, stiff, erect-growing plants are probably the
EVERGREEN TREES. 75
best. The Norway bears the shears with impunity, but, except
for hedges, or perhaps the shortening of an occasional irregu-
larly extending branch, we consider the use of shears as a prac-
tice in clipping the trees as erroneous, and creating only a stiff
Fig. 39.— The Norway Spruce.
bank or cone of green, where there should be flowing lines and
light and shade, varying with every breeze. The Norway does
the best in a light, rich loam, but will grow freely in any soil not
wet. In positions where it develops itself fully as a single tree,
76
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
or for grouping or massing, it is one of the very finest ; but the
planter who can give to it only an area of ten to fifteen feet diam-
eter should substitute the American White Spruce in its place.
As we have said, there are in the seed rows of growers many
varieties, some of which are occasionally selected out and spe-
Fig. 40.— The Hemlock Spruce.
cifically named, and the experienced amateur or professional
man can select from them trees to make a great diversity of form,
habit of growth, and shade of foliage, by which he will add to
the beauty of a park or small private grounds, and yet have all
Norway Spruces.
EVERGREEN TREES. 77
The Hemlock Spruce. Abies Canadensis. — The hemlock,
common in all portions of our Union, possesses features of ele-
gance and beauty unlike that of any other hardy variety. When
standing alone, or on the outskirts of small groups, its dark yet
loose-looking foliage, hanging in pendulous tufts from its pecu-
liarly graceful, half-curving branches, renders the tree one of the
most ornamental, and suited to a place in decorating the grounds
of almost every residence. It is a tree that bears the shears well,
and is therefore adapted to hedge or screen planting. When
grown in the nursery, it is no more difficult to transplant than
other evergreens, although it has been declared very sensitive of
removal — probably by those who had no experience except with
its removal from the woods. It is, as we have said, a beautiful
tree for the open lawn, but it lacks stateliness to adapt it for
position near the main residence or buildings.
Arbor Vitve. Thuja. — The American arbor vita; — thuja
occidentalis — frequently, and perhaps more generally, called white
cedar, is one of our most valuable evergreens. Of a regular
formal outline in its growth, from the young plant to the tree,
it can rarely be used in grouping ; but as a single point tree, or
for screen belts and hedges, it is one of the most desirable. It
may be grown to form a perfect wall or screen thirty or forty
feet high, and yet not spread at the base over four or five feet
broad. It is easily grown, and as it frequently throws out roots
from the stem and branches when covered with earth, in trans-
planting it is well to set it somewhat deeper than where it has
previously been grown.
Of the varieties, a new one under the name of Hovey is prob-
ably the most compact, and of the best color ; but the Siberian
is a valuable one, growing very compact, and keeping its color
well in the winter season. Thuja ericoides is of a more delicate
foliage; sometimes browns badly in the winter, where fully
exposed to the sun ; while the Tom Thumb, sent out by Messrs,
78 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
Ellwangcr & Barry, is a very dwarf compact sort, especially
adapted as a point plant on beds or divisions of pathways. All
the above, as well as the Chinese and the variegated-foliaged
varieties, are adapted for planting as single trees ; and as they
bear the knife perfectly, may be kept clipped and pruned into
any shape or form desired to harmonize with their position.
The American, however, is the one most generally used in the
planting for hedges and screens; not that it is any better than
the Siberian or some others, for it is not naturally as compact,
but because it is a rapid grower, and can be obtained at a less
cost than other varieties. In setting it for hedges, where it is
designed to keep the plants clipped to a height never exceeding
four to six feet, the plants should stand one in a foot of length
in the row ; but where it is designed to form screens or belts,
growing twenty to forty feet high, one plant in four feet is
sufficient. Any good soil suits the arbor vitoe, and it bears water
or wet grounds even better than dry.
As an avenue tree for the north and west sides of driveways
that are to be used in winter, it is one the best suited, and
every country place should have one or more pathways sheltered
by it for resort in a clear winter's day when the sun is shining
brightly, and at the same time a cold north wind prevailing.
Red Cedar. Juniperus. — The red cedar of our country —
juniperus Virginiana — is only occasionally planted, because of its
generally rather stiff habit, and dull dingy brown color of foliage
in winter and spring. There are, however, among the many
plants grown from seed, varieties that have more or less of a
drooping and graceful form, and whose color keeps a clear
light blue green, making their association or connection with
other evergreens often very harmonious and agreeable.
In poor, dry, rocky soils the red cedar thrives finely, and it
seems equally at home in rich, deep loams. It does not answer
well for hedges, as clipped plants after twelve or more years are
EVERGREEN TREES. JO
liable to become open, ragged, and unsightly. In some sections
we have seen roadsides planted with the red cedar, but their
appearance is not that of beauty or grandeur, and its use for
such purpose can not be commended.
With the English juniper — communis — there is a classical
association which we have occasionally heard strained to that
of the red cedar, as the tree mentioned in Holy Writ under
which the prophet Elijah took refuge in the wilderness of Beer-
sheba to avoid the persecutions of King Ahab.
Lebanon Cedar. Cedrus Libani. — The cedar of Lebanon,
Indian or Deodar cedar, African or silver cedar, Japan cedar,
and some others, are all beautiful trees; but in the Northern
and Middle States they are not perfectly hardy, and therefore
can not be recommended for general planting. Where, however,
they endure the climate, their beauty of foliage, the stateliness
and wide-sjireading habits of the Lebanon and silver cedars,
the pendulous graceful habit of the Indian and Japan cedars,
should not be forgotten by the planter, but their free use made
a point to the exclusion of many sorts more common and of less
historical association.
As lawn trees, the light, airy, graceful characters of the Japan
and Deodar cedars render them specially beautiful, and as we
have said, wherever the climate is such that they can be grown
safely, their planting should not be omitted.
80
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
CHAPTER VI.
WEEPING EVEEGEEEX TREES.
The number of hardy evergreen trees that possess distinct
drooping habits to class them among weeping trees is very
limited. Unfortunately the funebral cypress, introduced some
twelve or fifteen years since, and from which so much was
Fig. 41.— Weeping Juniper.
hoped on account of coming from the north of China, has
proved tender in all exposed situations throughout the Northern
and Middle States. Of the few on which reliance can be placed,
the juniperus oblonga pendula is of a small growth, making a
WEEPING EVERGREEN TREES. 81
plant often not more than eight to twelve feet high, but with
horizontal branches from which drooping spray dejjends in an
irregular fastigiate manner, creating for it a charm and pic-
turesqueness that together with its size make it one of the most
desirable plants for position in cemeteries. In small grounds,
or for special positions in ornamental i)lanting, it is also ex-
tremely pretty, but should be used with great care and thought
in studying association with the surrounding plants and trees.
Juniperus Virginiana pendula is of a stronger and more
vigorous habit, sending up a strong center stem with recurved
horizontal drooping branches, highly picturesque and adapted
to rocky or water scenery.
Thuja f.liformis is a variety of the arbor vitas, with horizontal
branches and long depending twigs or spray, giving a uniuue
and pleasing form, that with its light, yellowish green shade of
foliage is always attractive and interesting rather than beaut nil.
It is well suited for cemetery purposes, and may occasioi ally
be introduced near ponds or pools of water.
4*
82 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
CHAPTER VII.
-EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
A more common, free, and abundant use of evergreen shrubs
should be adopted, because of the cheerful, bright, verdure-like
appearance produced in the landscape when their dark and
light green foliage and blue or scarlet berries cover with har-
monious life-like beauty what otherwise in the dreary winter
scenes would be barren and unsightlv. Their use among
deciduous shrubs can be more general than that of evergreen
trees, from the fact that they only rise a few feet, and therefore,
unlike trees, can not exhibit shade and gloom to the scene.
Many a place is made beautiful in summer from the foliage of
shrubs and the bloom of flowers, that in winter presents a dreary
barren aspect, which is easily changed and draped with foliage
and beauty by the simple planting of evergreen shrubs. "Were
we to write an entire book in advocating their general use, it
would not half express our feelings, or perhaps any more
advance their frequent planting than our present few words.
To the planter who seeks to create constant beauty, or who
desires easy gradations and harmonious combinations in land-
scape ; to him who has but small grounds in the suburbs of a
city ; to those who desire to clothe the last resting-place of
earthly friends with emblems of eternity and lasting beauty, let
me urge upon their attention the claims found in, and beauty
derived from, the use of shrub evergreens.
Among the most hardy, and adapted to all sections and
positions, the Juxiper in its varieties is. perhaps, most worthy
of frequent and universal planting. There is, as we have
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
83
described, trees under this head that do not bear clipping ; but
all the dwarf or naturally small-sized trees of this class bear well
a free use of the shears, and may be kept in any form or shape
agreeable to the wants or taste of man.
The Swedish juniper — suecica — is of a pyramidal habit, with a
bluish green foliage and quite rapid growth. It sometimes is
liable to break down from our -winter snows or severe storms,
and should therefore have a wrapping of small wires to keep it
in form. Its growth is from ten to twenty feet high, although
it may be kept, by means of clipping, down to a height of only
five to eight feet. It is adapted to point groups on the corners
Fig. -4-2.-Ir.isn Juniper and Savin.
of diverging roadways or paths, and with the podocarpus and
Irish juniper very effective little clusters may be formed.
The Irish juniper— Hibernica — forms one of the prettiest of
little point trees; it is perfectly hardy, and always keeps a
beautiful rich green color, rather darker than the Swedish. It
can be kept at any height, from that of two feet upward to five
or six. The common juniper— comm un is var. Canadensis— is well
known, but too rarely planted because it is common. Singly
upon a lawn, it grows rapidly; and although rising but a few
feet high, it spreads over a broad surface and forms a remarkable
and effective object. Junijjerus squamata is also a variety
84
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
effective as a large spreading plant upon an extensive lawn.
Juniperus nana and echiniformis are of a lighter, more yellow
green and compact habit, and for jjositions where only a limited
space can be given them, are very beautiful. They are nearer
allied to the juniperus sdbina, or common savin, a variety
well known, and that forms one of the best masses of low
growth among the whole collection.
The juniperus prostrata is a very low creeping variety, of
value in rock-work, and for massing and forming a low ever-
green bed upon a lawn. It is admirable also for planting on
small mounds and in cemeteries over the graves of the departed.
Fig. 43.— Common Juniper and Prostrate Juniper.
There are many more varieties, but as yet convparatively
scarce; all, however, or nearly all, promise to prove hardy and
of value in forming features of beauty in a landscape. We
have seen a most beautiful mass made of jumpers by taking the
Swedish as the center plants, then the canadensis circling it,
and intermingling the squamata and sabina with here and there
a hibernica, and toning down with nana, to an outside finish
with prostrata.
Dwakf Pines. — There are several varieties of the pine family
EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 85
that are extremely valuable in the formation of groups and
masses of low evergreens, among them one under name of
pinus pumilio, or dwarf mountain pine, is most commonly in
use. It is classed by many as identical with p>inus pumilio
mughus, or mugho pine, but the specimens we have had to deal
with under the latter name have been of a more compact and
diminutive growth, although the leaf and color are similar.
For positions where a compact, round-headed plant from six
to twelve feet high is wanted, and for forming a foreground to
large masses of round-headed pines, or for use in small yards,
the dwarf mountain pine is exceedingly valuable. It is perfectly
hardy, of a deep rich green color, and when grown by itself,
fully exposed, it forms a very compact small tree. In small
pieces of rock-work, and for crowning slight elevations at the
turn of roads, etc., we have found its use very effective.
Broad-Leaved Yew — Podocarpus. — The broad-leaved or
long-leaved Japan yew is not hardy in all parts of the Northern
and Middle States when fully exposed; but there are many
locations in almost every place of any considerable extent where
groups of shrub evergreens are wanted, and where considerable
shelter may be afforded ; in all such, and in some sections, as
around New York, southern New Jersey, and on south and
west, it is a very desirable variety to plant. The tree is erect,
compact, with a rich dark green broad leaf, distinct and beau-
tiful. There are a number of varieties, but the japonica and
taxifolia are probably the hardiest. Any good loamy soil
suits it.
Yew TRVE^Taxus. — All of the yew family are beautiful
plants, and of great value in making up a place. When fully
exposed to the sun, they sometimes burn and brown in winter;
but wherever they are shaded by having a position on the
north side of buildings, the northern slope of a hill, or the north
side of a group of large evergreens, they retain their color per-
S6
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
fcctly. The common English yew — toccata — is the one most
generally grown. It forms a bush of from six to twelve feet
high, and when old enough to fruit, forms one of the most
elegant of evergreen shrubs.
The erecta is more compact and upright, not as spreading, in
its habit; while the liorizontalis is spreading, almost creeping,
in its growth. There are also several varieties with variegated
foliage very curious and ornamental. The Irish yew — Hitemica — -
Fig. 44. — Ash Berberry.
is of slow, compact, upright growth, forming a very small,
round, pillar-like tree, but it will not endure any exposure to
the winter suns. The American yew — Canadensis — is, perhaps,
the most hardy of all, but it is not of as rich and dark a green.
As a class, however, masses of them are very beautiful ; and when
azaleas are mingled with them the result is quite satisfactory,
especially in spring, when the azaleas are in bloom. In England,
EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 87
the yew is used more or less for hedges ; but as a hedge plant,
except in positions shaded from the mid-day sun, and for the
purpose of variety, its use in this country is not advisable.
Asu Berberry^ Mahonia.— Among all the shrub evergreens,
the mahonia for general use is, without exception, one of the
most valuable. In general appearance of leaf it much resembles
the European holly, a plant that is not hardy in the Northern
or Middle States ; it is of the easiest possible culture, growing
freely in any soil not wet. Besides its glossy foliage, in spring
it gives a profusion of bright yellow flowers, followed with rich
purple berries, making it ever attractive and ornamentally beau-
tiful. Our drawing represents a bush of the variety aquifolium,
with a cluster of flowers. This is the most common sort, and
is, perhaps, the best for masses or low hedges; but where a
single plant only is to be grown, we should select the fascicularis
as being more unique in form of foliage, and more subdued in
the tone cf color. In fully exposed positions facing south, the
mahonia occasionally browns and loses its foliage; but we have
never known the plants to kill, and early in spring it puts on
new leaves and comes forward rapidly, blooming as if it had
suffered no loss.
Box Tree — Buxus. — The common dwarf box— luxus suffrutl
cosa — is Well known, for it is, perhaps, the very best dwarf
edging plant for flower-beds and borders that is known. It
should always be transplanted early in the spring, and, by
a clipping with shears from year to year, never permitted to
grow above six to eight inches in height. The tree box — buxus
semper circus — forms a pretty dwarf ornamental tree for decorating
small lawns or grass-plots, or for rounded points of pathways,
etc. There are several varieties among them, comprising
lati/oliii, or broad-leaved, which is the best; the mystifolia] very
narrow-leaved; the aurca, or golden variegated-leaved; the
argentea, or silvery variegated-leaved. A sandy or light gravelly
88
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
soil seems best to suit the wants of the box tree, and a partial
shade from southern suns is requisite to enable it to retain its
foliage.
Evergreen Thorn — Pyracantha. — The fiery or evergreen
thorn — Crataegus pyracantha — is an evergreen shrub, at present
only to be found occasionally in some amateur's grounds, but
highly deserving a place everywhere that ornament or beauty
is sought to be created.
As a single plant, it has rare attractive features in its clusters
Fig. 45. — Evergreen Thorn.
of white flowers, blooming in the month of May, followed by
round brilliant scarlet berries, that often remain on a great part
of winter, and from whence its name of fiery thorn. In forming
low-growing hedges, it is one of the very best jilants, as it is
perfectly hardy, and bears the shears as well as other thorns.
Our engraving shows a plant with a few clusters of flowers.
Any good rich garden soil will answer to grow it.
Cotoneaster. — The cotoneaster is a family of plants that for
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
89
rock-work and positions where they were not exposed to the
south, we have found in use very attractive and effective.
There are three or four varieties, all with white flowers, and
all of a low, rather pendant and creeping habit, and their use
should be more generally adopted, especially in rock-work, or
as undergrowth in shaded situations.
Andromeda. — Two varieties of andromeda, viz.: floribunda
and polifolia, are described by Mr. Fuller in his " Forest Tree
Culturisf as worthy of extensive cultivation. They are of slow
growth, with lanceolate leaves and white flowers, forming pretty,
Fig. 46.— Kalmia.
low shrubs, r.nd suited even to wet soils. "We have had no
experience with them.
Euonymus or Spindle Tree. — This is a class of beautiful
evergreen shrubs that prove partially hardy about New York,
and are suited for planting in the Southern States; but they
can not be depended upon anywhere north.
Holly — Ilex. — The European holly is so beautiful in England,
90 law:* and shade trees.
that almost every planter of a new place feels anxious to adopt
it. Repeated experiments with it, however, compel us to, all
unwillingly, write that it can not be used and prove at all satis-
factory. Even our native variety, the ilex opaca, frequently
browns badly, and occasionally loses its foliage completely; and
although beautiful when it can be perfectly grown, it proves so
often unsightly rather than beautiful, that it is unwise to use it
except in shaded situations.
Mountain Laurel — Kalmia. — The kalmia, or laurel as it is
commonly called, is one of the finest evergreen under shrubs. It
is perfectly hardy in any exposure, but it chooses a soil largely
composed of vegetable loam and sand. Near running water it
grows and blooms most freely, but naturally it is found often in
the most barren rocky situations imaginable. As an under
shrub it is particularly desirable, as it bears the drip of other
trees without perceptible injury. Its flowers are produced most
freely in June, but it continues more or less of bloom for a
month or six weeks in succession. The latifolia, see engraving,
and augustifolia and narrow-leaved, or sheep laurel, are the most
valued varieties. The flowers of the former are a white or light
pink delicately spotted, while those of the sheep laurel are dark red.
Rhododendron. — The rhododendrons, or rose bay as some-
times called, are a class of broad-leaved evergreen shrubs of
exceeding beauty both in foliage and flower. Like the kalmia,
they succeed best when grown in soil conrposed mostly of
vegetable loam and sand, although some cultivators advise free
use of well-rotted animal manures. Such application we have
found to produce free growth, but at expense of hardihood, and
when necessary to improve the soil, advise fresh woods loam
rather than animal manure. The varieties maximum and
cataiclienss have been tested as to hardihood all over the Union,
and everywhere proved successful. Many others are probably
equally hardy when grown under the same circumstances ; but
ETEKGREEN SHRUBS. 91
a large proportion of those sold from year to year are imported
plants, and in getting acclimated, too often die. We consider
the great secret in growing rhododendrons successfully, consists
in keeping the soil cool and moist, and this is best done by sur-
face dressing of light half-decayed leaves a depth of three or
four inches over the soil in which the roots are growing.
A free use in planting of kalmias and rhododendrons in the
Fig. 47. — Khododendron.
small yards and gardens of our suburban residences would give
to them a cheerful living brightness in winter, and add largely
to their beauty at all seasons.
Cneorum — Daphne. — The garland flower, or trailing Daphne
eneorum, has been only recently introduced to notice, although
an old and well-known plant. For rock-work planting, for
points on beds or borders, it is one of the best as well as attract-
ive plants. Its flowers are bright pink, sweet scented, and
produced freely in April and May, and again in September.
92 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
CHAPTER VIII.
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
In all grounds a well-appointed and arranged shrubbery is a
most effective and cheerful feature ; and in grounds of small
extent, such as the front gardens of suburban city lots, the use
of shrubs or trees of small growth is more to be commended
than those of a towering or large spreading habit. Just enough
of large trees should be planted to form necessary shade, and
then the effect and general impression of beauty be created by
the planting of deciduous and evergreen shrubs. One of the
most important things in planting shrubs is to attend particu-
larly to the shades of green in foliage ; another is, an under-
standing of the soils and situation in which they will grow and
develop themselves most luxuriantly. " Flowers continue but
for a short period in comparison with the duration of the leaves,
and therefore the more permanent picture should be executed
by judiciously contrasting the green. Even the effect of per-
spective may be considerably increased by the proper arrange-
ment of hues. Shrubs whose leaves are of a gray or bluish tint,
when seen over or between shrubs of a yellowish or bright
green, will seem thrown into the distance. Those, again, with
small or tremulous leaves, should' wave over or before those
with large, broad-fixed foliage. Where the situation will permit,
three or five lilacs may be grouped together in one place, or as
many laburnums in another, so as to give effect in various parts
by a mass of color."
" A shrubbery," says Mr. Phillips, " should be planted as a
court or stage dress is ornamented, for general effect, and not
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 93
for particular and partial inspection. Boldness of design,
which seems to be more the offspring of nature and chance
than of art and study, should be attempted ; but though bold-
ness is what the planter should aspire to, all harshness or too
great abruptness must be avoided by a judicious mixture of
plants whose colors will blend easily with one another." The
most beautiful shrubs should of course be planted in the most
conspicuous places, and the whole with respect to evergreens so
arranged as to contribute in making bright the gloom of
winter; in reducing and softening the glare of summer, and
assist in lengthening the season by their early flowers in spring
and their ripening berries in autumn.
The Acacia — Robinia. — The rose acacia {Robinia hispida) is
an old shrub commonly well known, but latterly little planted.
Its large clusters of rose-colored flowers in July are extremely
beautiful, and as it commences flowering when only some two feet
high, rarely rising above four or five feet, there are many places
where its introduction in the foreground is productive of
pleasing effects. The objection to it has been its tendency to
throw up numerous suckers from its long, straggling roots ; but
these may easily be kept in bounds by regular cutting back
with a sharp spade in August. It can be grafted on the stronger-
growing varieties of the locust, when it forms a small, very
pretty, and ornamental round head, quite well suited to position
on some small lawns.
The Clammy Barked Locust — Robinia viscosa — grows to a
height of ten or fifteen feet, and has a gummy substance over its
branches that makes it unpleasant to the touch. It has larg£
pale pink flowers, and in forming large clusters of shrubs and
second-class trees it is often desirable. There are a number of
other varieties, such as inermis, tortuosa, grandiflora, etc., all
more or less beautiful when placed in large groups, but not of
themselves sufficiently ornamental for single positions in small
94: LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
grounds. In rock-work planting, the hispida may be used
advantageously.
The Althea — Hibiscus Syriacus. — The rose of Sharon, as it is
most commonly called, is a shrub of almost universal use in
planting. It grows from six to eight feet high, and does best
in light dry soils. It is of a stiff, formal shape, even when left to
take its own natural way ; but as it bears the shears well, and
in fact seems thereby to increase its blooms, plants may be so
clipped as to present broad masses of foliage and flowers from
the ground upward. As an ornamental hedge plant it takes on
its foliage too late in spring, and is also partially tender, occa-
sionally killing during a very cold winter. There are varieties
with white pink or purple and variegated flowers, both single
and double. It blooms during the last of August or early in
September, and where single plants are wanted of a regular
systematic form, or for the back-plants of masses on straight
lines, it is valuable.
The Alder — Alnus. — Until within a few years the alder has
not been much planted, but recently there have been introduced
some varieties with foliage so strikingly marked, that wherever
there is a moist soil, or a low group is wanted near a spring,
their planting will be found advisable.
Of the varieties most prized are the oak-leaved, the serrate-
leaved, and the lasciniated or cut-leaved. In growth, the alder
usually rises to a height of about ten to twenty feet, with foliage
all of a dark green color.
The Almond — Amygdalus. — The dwarf double flowering
almond — amygdalus pumila — is one of the oldest flowering
shrubs of our knowledge. Its period of early flowering (April),
together with their profusion and beauty; its slender twigs and
general graceful delicacy in form of growth ; the perfect hardi-
hood of the plant, all combine to make it a shrub of great value
in decorative gardening. On account of its low growth and
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 95
delicacy of stem, it should always be planted in the foreground
of a group or upon the point of a pathway, where it can display
its beautiful formed flowers, like little roses, in the most con-
spicuous manner. There is a rose-colored and white-flowered
variety, both equally free bloomers. The white is especially
desirable for planting in cemeteries, and masses wrell with
mahonias.
The Azalea. — The azaleas nudiflora and viscosa are, we
believe, the varieties most common to this country. They are
found wild in many parts of the Northern and Middle States,
Fig. 48.— Azalea.
and are generally known as swamp pink or swamp honeysuckle.
They are perfectly hardy, and the beauty and fragrance of their
flowers Avhen in bloom render them plants of rare value and
interest in forming masses or groups of shrubs, and especially
for mingling with rhododendrons and other small evergreens.
The pontica, we believe, is the only foreign variety proved to be
perfectly hardy; but there arc a great many of the Belgian
varieties that may be grown with little trouble in tubs or pots,
96 LAWN AND SHADE TREEg.
kept in a pit frame during winter, and placed in the out-door
shrubbery on approacli of spring. The flowers produced in
May of our native varieties are almost white, varying to a pink,
while those of the pontica are a bright yellow. Writers say they
must have peat soil in order to succeed, but we have found any
good loamy soil to answer, provided we mulched it with leaves
or leaf mold. The same soil and care suitable for growing
rhododendrons answers well for azaleas.
The Amorpha. — There are a number of varieties of the
amorpha or bastard indigo, all more or less ornamental, both
from their foliage as well as their long spikes of blue or purple
flowers produced in July and August. Their stems occasionally
die after three or more years old, hence they should always be
grown in the bush form, cutting out the oldest stems from year
to year. Any good garden soil wTill answer for them, provided
it is not too wet or too dry.
The variety nana is the most dwarf, growing only one to two
feet high ; glabra, growing four to six feet ; and fragrans, eight
or more feet in height. They are all good for planting on the
borders of water-streams or ponds, and also for strong contrasts
and backgrounds in masses.
The Amelanchter. — Under the common name of shad bush,
the amelanchier vulgaris is well known and admired, when in
early spring its peculiarly- formed flowers cover the tree, as it
were, like a white sheet. It is then seen at a distance as beau-
tiful as any of the magnolias, and when planted so that some
evergreen shall be contiguous and form its background, no
plant creates more universal attention" or admiration. It makes
a small tree of from twelve to twenty feet high.
The June Berry — A. botryapium — has also white flowers in
April, hanging in pendulous racemes ; the bark and wood more
smooth, and the tree of not quite as large growth as the shad
bush. It is a very desirable small tree for door-yards or small
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 97
confined situations, and its blossoms are followed by fruit often
very palatable in the month of June.
There is also a variety of this with the young wood of a dark
red or blood color, but its flowers and fruit are less abundant.
Any good soil not wet suits them.
The Berberry — Berber is. — There are quite a number of
varieties of the barberry, all pleasing, ornamental shrubs growing
from four to ten feet high, but bearing the shears so well that
they may be kept at just any height desired. Massed in a group
composed of the varieties, and planting the purple-leaved as the
center or background, and interspersing occasionally the varie-
gated-leaved, a good effect is produced without the aid of other
shrubs. In spring, or the month of May, their flowers are yellow
or deep orange, borne in pendant racemes, followed by bright
scarlet or purple fruit, which if left will hang on nearly or quite
all winter As a fancy screen hedge the barberry answers
admirably, and a pretty effect is created by interspersing along
the row an occasional plant of the purple-leaved, variegated-
leaved, etc. A rich deep loam is best fitted for the barberry,
but it will grow anywhere if the soil is not wet.
The Buckthorn — Ehamnus. — -As a hedge plant, the buck-
thorn— rliamnus catharticus — has no superior, if indeed it has
an equal. The plant is perfectly hardy ; never suckers ; roots
extend but a little distance, and being of fibrous nature do not
interfere with the growing of anything even to within a foot of
the hedge. It grows in any soil, and no animal, unless it is the
goat, feeds upon its leaves ; nor is it attacked by insects. Its
foliage is of a dark rich green, put on early in spring and
retained late in autumn. As an ornamental plant for large
groups, or even planted singly, it is very desirable from the
habit it can be made to take; the dark rich green of its leaf,
the white clusters of flowers in spring, and the dark 1)1 ue fruit
of autumn often hanging into winter. Besides the common
5
98 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
variety, there is a broad-leaved sort — latifolia — that for single
positions is especially attractive from its crimped-like foliage
and erect habit.
The Buffalo Tree — Sheperdia. — The peculiar silvery leaves
of the Sheperdia argentea, or buffalo berry tree as it is commonly
called, make it very desirable in grouping, as a foreground to
trees or shrubs of darker greens. It bears the shears veil, and
may be kept at any desired low height, although when left to
itself it makes a tree or shrub from ten to fifteen feet high. Its
flowers are yellow, and although not particularly beautiful of
themselves, yet they are so abundant upon the branches as to
make the tree attractive at that season ; and in autumn it is very
showy from its masses of red or bright scarlet fruit, of size about
like currants. The fruit is very valuable for tarts, and aside
from its ornamentarcharacter renders the shrub one of value for
all grounds.
The Bladder Senna — Colutea. — This is a very attractive
shrub; one variety having light yellow flowers, another those
of orange color dotted with red, designated as Pocock's senna
and d'uenta, with reddish flowers. It commences blooming in
June, and frequently continues many weeks ; but its peculiar
attraction comes from the delicate light green of its foliage, and
the bladder or balloon-like pods that follow its flowers. Its
height is usually four to six feet, but it may be kept down by
use of the shears in spring.
The Bladder Nut — Staphylea. — The bladder nut — staphylea
trifolia — is a very pretty shrub or low tree, with light green
foliage, and a profusion of small, white bell-shaped flowers in
May and early June. It lias, however, a disposition to sucker
so much, that it is not best to plant it except where there will
be little or no stirring of the soil.
The Clethra. — Although a native shrub, found in some of
its varieties in the low grounds of most sections of the States,
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SIIKUBS.
99
the clethra is nevertheless deserving, on account of its beautiful
and numerous spikes of white flowers, a place in every collection.
All are perfectly hardy, and with exception of the acuminata,
make shrubs of height from four to five feet, and blooming
Fig. 49.— Clethra.
freely from July to September. The alnifolia is most common,
and perhaps the best of the varieties. It succeeds well in any
good garden soil.
The OrnRANT — Riles. — There are a number of very attractive
shrubs designated as flowering currants, to distinguish them
o o o
from varieties grown particularly for their fruit. All are more
or less ornamental, and can be grown in almost any soil or
situation.
The crimson flowering variety — sanguineum — is partially
100
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
tender, and can not be relied upon unless protected in winter ;
but the Gordoni, or Gordon's flowering currant, is perfectly-
hardy, a strong, vigorous grower, with long, pendant racemes of
crimson and yellow flowers in May, rendering its appearance
highly attractive and pleasing. It should be in all collections.
The double-flowering crimson — sanguineum flore pleno — like its
parent, is partially tender; all the others are hardy. Very pretty
Fig. 50.— Gordon's Currant.
groups or masses for spring show can be made by using the dif-
ferent varieties of flowering currants.
The Deutzia. — For foregrounds to masses of shrubbery, or
for producing a profusion of white flowers, the different varieties
of Deutzia have claims to pre-eminence. They are all perfectly
hardy and easily grown in any soil. The rough-leaved or
scabra is the strongest grower, making a shrub from four to five
feet high, with flowers resembling orange blossoms. Corymiosum
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 101
comes next in growth, then crenate-leaved, while gracilis is quite
a dwarf, say from one to two feet in height.
The Elder — tiambueus. — Although a common wild shrub, the
broad cymes of delicate white flowers followed by dark purple
or reddish fruit produced on the elder, render it desirable for
planting in all large groups of shrubs ; and for use in making
bouquets, one or more plants of it should be in every collection.
There are quite a number of varieties ; some with white fruit,
others of a reddish tinge ; some growing into small trees with
single trunks, others forming clusters of stems ; some with
variegated foliage, and one with a leaf lasciniated so as to be
termed parsley leaf. All are of easy cultivation in good deep
rich soils.
The Golden Bell Shrub — Forsythia. — The Forsythia viridis-
si/na, although comparatively of recent introduction, is so easily
grown that it has become quite common. It is not perfectly
hardy in all locations, but generally succeeds when planted so
that it will be shaded from midday or afternoon sun. Its flowers
are bright yellow, bell-shaped, produced very early in spring
on spurs or wood of two years old or more, and gives most effect
when seen against an evergreen as a background. The young
wood is a bright greenish yellow ; foliage bright lively green,
and in shaded positions often retained until Christmas.
The Hawthorn — Crataegus. — In England the Crataegus oxycantha
is largely used as a hedge plant ; but trials of it in this country
prove it not well suited to endure, when clipped, our strong hot
suns and frequent dry seasons. As an ornamental plant, where
large groups or masses are to be formed, the beauty of some
varieties with their double white, pink, or scarlet flowers in
May, render their planting almost a necessity. Left to them-
selves when planted alone, as is sometimes done on lawns, they
form very regular round-headed little trees of ten to fifteen feet
high. All may be budded or grafted, and the numerous
102
LAWN AND SHADE TKEES.
varieties with varied foliage as well as flowers, render the plan
of grafting two or more of a kind on the same stem a very
desirable one, especially in small grounds where only room can
be given for a few plants.
The Horse-Chestnut— Pavia. — The dwarf horse-chestnut—
pavia macrostachya — is one of the finest low-growing shrubs.
There are two varieties, one with white and one with variegated
or red flowers, both forming sjhkes large and showy in July
and August. The plants form bushes as it were, often spreading
Fig. 51.— Dwarf House-Chestnut.
many feet wide, but seldom rising above four to six feet in
height.
The Hop Tree — Ptelea. — A few years since the ptelea trifoliata
or trefoil tree acquired a general although transient reputation
as a plant to grow for the value of its seed capsules, as substi-
tutes for hops, and under the name of hop tree thousands were
sold. As an ornamental low tree when trained to a single stem
it is very pretty and desirable for planting in the foreground
of groups.
The Hydrangea. — Most of the hydrangeas require protection
OEXAMEXTAL DECIDUOUS SIIEUES.
103
during the winters at the North ; but there arc some varieties,
as the oak-leaved — quercifolia, heart-leaved — cordata, and some
others, that prove hardy ; and for positions where low-growing
plants with large foliage arc required, they arc particularly well
adapted, and from their large spikes of greenish white flowers
measurably ornamental. Hydrangea Deutziafolia is a new
variety of good promise, and should be tested.
k&
Fig. 52.— Upright or Tree Honeysuckle.
The Upright Honeysuckle — Lonicera. — The tree or Tartarian
honeysuckles arc hardy and beautiful shrubs, blooming early in
June. In foliage they arc epiite handsome, and the flower being
followed with fruit makes them desirable in all grounds, even
of the smallest. They grow freely in all soils, attaining, if left
undipped, a height of ten or twelve feet ; but they should be
annually clipped and kept down to four or five feet, Very
pretty ornamental hedges can be formed by mingling the
104 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
different colored flowering sorts. The rubra, alia, and puhe-
rulenta are among, if not the best.
The Hippophae. — This is a low-growing shrub with narrow
leaves, downy whitish underneath, of no great beauty, but
pleasing and desirable as a foreground plant in forming laro-e
masses. Some of the varieties have been described as growing
to a height of fifteen or more feet ; but we have never seen
any above six feet, and oftener as low bushes of two or three
feet. Its flowers are of a bright yellow, and its blooms in May
are followed with orange-colored fruit that often hangs on all
winter, rendering the effect when massed with evergreens very
good.
The Japan Globe Flower. — The Japan globe flower—
Kerria Japonica — but a few years since was universally planted.
Of late its use has become quite rare, and many new places
with all the varieties have not a plant of this old favorite. Its
habit of sucking is against it ; but mingled with low-growing
evergreens, its smooth greenish wood, twig-like branches, and
lanceolate serrated leaves, in connection with the profusion
of rose-shaped yellow flowers that it bears from March to July,
make it very attractive and desirable. There is a small growing,
variegated-leaved sort that suits well the foreground of a mass
or group.
The Koelreuteria. — For the foreground of groups in which
the Austrian or Scotch pines are prominent, the Koelreuteria
paniculata, although only occasionally used, is really a very
desirable plant. It is also well suited to a place in small
gardens or lawns, and particularly where an erect, small, upright
tree is wanted. Its stems are rather stiff than graceful, its
leaves coarsely toothed and prominent ; but its flowers borne at
the ends of the shoots in long racemose spikes or panicles of a
bright yellow color, give to the plant or tree a very fine
appearance. The flowers are followed by large bladdery
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHKUBS. 105
capsules, containing seeds, and in autumn the foliage before
falling changes to a deep yellow. It succeeds in any good
garden soil and makes a tree of about fifteen to twenty feet high.
The Laburnum — Gytisus. — As a low growing ornamental
tree or large shrub, the laburnum or golden chain has few
rivals. The shape of the head is often irregular and pictur-
esque ; its foliage is of a smooth shining and beautiful green ;
it will grow in almost any soil, not wet, and when it flowers in
June, its long pendant racemes of yellow or purple blooms make
it extremely attractive and beautiful. The variety with yellow
flowers, most commonly grown in the nurseries, makes a tree
sometimes of fifteen to twenty feet in height ; but it often
loses its main stem, and sending up a cluster of stems, forms
rather a shrub than a tree. The purple-flowering variety
resembles in growth the common English, and occasionally its
flowers revert back to the original yellow. There are several
other varieties, but mainly differing only in form of foliage or
period of bloom. They may be easily engrafted one upon
the other, and thus one tree made to exhibit varied foliage and
blooms, giving to it a unique appearance. As a single tree on
small lawns, or for jDlanting in cemeteries, or foregrounds of
groups of trees, the laburnum is one of the most desirable.
The Lilac — Syringa. — The common lilac — syringa vulgaris —
is well known all over the country ; and although it has a great
tendency to sucker, a little attention from year to year will
enable the grower to keep it to a single stem, and it is then a
beautiful tree in leaf, and pre-eminently so when in flower.
Grouped with the snow-ball, red-bud, and other small-sized
trees or large shrubs, it makes always an attractive appearance,
and should not be thrown one side because it is common. There
are several varieties with different shades of Lilac and some pure
white, and some wdth double flowers ; all, however, of general
habit in growth.
5*
106 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
There is one known as Josikrea and one as Charles the Tenth,
which have much the same habit of the old variety, but with
more glossy leaves, and the former flowers of a deep purple, and
the latter a reddish purple. There is also a variegated-leaved
variety of the common vulgaris.
There is also a class of lilacs under the names of Chinese and
Persian. The former, Chinese, is intermediate between vulgaris
and persica in its habit of upright growth and with partially
strong wood, while the latter has slender wood, sometimes almost
recurved. There are a great many varieties, differing mainly in
the shade of color in flower, while some are pure white. All of
the lilacs are perfectly hardy ; may be clipped and kept at any low
height, and masses formed from a complete collection of the colors
become very effective, especially if a little attention is paid, wdien
planting, to arranging them with regard to the shades of the
flowers and foliage. The cut-leaved lilac — lasciniata — is a pretty
variety for the foreground of a mass or for a single point plant,
on account of its curiously serrated or clipped leaves.
The Mezereum — Daphne. — The Daphne, mezereum is a small
shrub of about two to three feet in height, producing on its
stems a profusion of pink or white flowers, according to the
variety, in "March or early April, before almost anything else. The
flowers are very fragrant, and the plant on account of its period
of blooming an exceedingly valuable one to plant. It needs a
dry soil, deep and rich. The seeds or berries following the
flowers become ripe and red in August or September, and are
poisonous.
The Magnolia.— Under the head of Trees we have named
most of the varieties of magnolia in cultivation, because most
of them form trees rather than shrubs; but the magnolia pur-
purea rarely, if ever, grows above six feet in height, and from
its hardiness, broad, large, dark green foliage and numerous
large cup-shaped purple and white flowers, demand for it a
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHKUBS.
107
place in every garden, no matter how limited. As a single
plant it is always attractive, and for massing with low-growing
evergreens like the rhododendrons and kalmias, it is extremely
valuable. There are two or three varieties, but not in general
cultivation; the gracilis is probably the best ; it has leaves nar-
rower than the purpurea, and the petals of the flower are longer,
and when opened fold back slightly.
Obovata pumila is a dwarf variety, forming only a little bush
one and a half to two feet high, valuable for foregrounds of
Fig. 53.— Magnolia PcitruKEA.
shrubs ; it, however, does not flower freely, and where only one
or two plants are wanted, purpurea and gracilis should be selected.
The Oleaster — Ekeagnus. — The oleaster vr wild olive tree is
a shrub growing from eight to fifteen feet in height, and from
its peculiar whitish foliage desirable for planting when it is
wished to attract the eye to a particular point. For small
grounds or positions where it comes directly under the eye, it
has no claims to a place. The flowers are a pale yellow,
108
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
fragrant in some varieties, but not prominent in beauty or
attractiveness.
The Flowering Plum — Prunus. — Under the name of prunus
trilobata a new dwarf shrub has been recently introduced that
promises great beauty, from its bearing a profusion of delicate
junk semi-double flowers of about one inch in diameter thickly
spread upon its long and slender branches. It is yet rare, but
will doubtless soon find a place in every garden, where it
should have a conspicuous position. It is quite hardy.
Fig. 54.— Double-Flowering Plum.
The Double-Flowering Plum — Prunus. — The double-flower-
ing plum, or as often called sloe plum, is one of the finest small
trees or large shrubs in the whole list. It is perfectly hardy ;
forms a round, compact head, and when in bloom its mass of
little white double daisy-like flowers makes it a most attractive
and beautiful object. Our engraving was copied from a plant we
6et in 1853. It should have a place by itself, open, upon the lawn.
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
109
The Privet or Prim — Ligustrum. — The privet or prim is
■well known, as it is native to many sections. There are quite a
large number of varieties, distinguished by their foliage. All
are hardy, and their white flowers in spring and black berries
in August make them beautiful although common. As hedge
plants for ornamental purposes they are among the very best,
Fig. 55.— Puktle Fringe Tree.
growing freely in almost any soil, and keeping riXir f ,liage so
late as to be almost sub-evergreen. We have setn clumps of
the varieties in circles and clipped to give a round-headed mass
of from fifteen to twenty feet diameter and six feet high in
center, that were very attractive. Banks for screening low but
unsightly objects may be formed readily by planting ard
shearing privet plants
110
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
The Purple Fringe Tree — Rhus.— The Venetian sumach or
purple fringe tree — rhus cotinus — is a much admired shrub from
its flowers, which are borne in large panicles, often proving
abortive, and their pedicles lengthening and becoming hairy
cover almost the entire tree. It sometimes is known as smoke
tree. It forms a small tree of ten to twelve feet high, suited for
a position by itself on a lawn, or better as a background plant
for a shrub group. Light dry soils suit it best. There are
several other varieties of rhus, many of them very ornamental
Fig. 56.— Japan Quince.
and worthy a place in large collections, but not so of positions
where they come under close observation. Rhus veneneta and
toxicodendron are extremely poisonous.
The Japan Quince — Pyrus. — The scarlet-flowering quince —
pyrtis Japonica—is so well known that it seems hardly requisite
to do more than name it ; and yet, well known as it is, its real
value as a shrub plant has been but little appreciated. Massed
with low-growing evergreens, or in clusters by itself upon the
lawn or border, its brilliancy of bloom always calls attention and
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
Ill
admiration, and in such positions it has been generally grown.
As a hedge plant, in impenetrability it is second only to thorn
or osage orange, while for beauty its blooms and foliage surpass
all other intuits. As a narrow low screen, it may lie trained
upright on wires, its side brandies spurred in and made to
present a perfect barrier, yet occupying only a very narrow
space in width. There are now a number of varieties, varying
in the color of their flowers from a delicate blush white to a
Pig. 57.— Red Bud.
deep rich crimson, and one with flowers semi or nearly double ;
and where only one plant is wanted, it is perhaps the best.
The Red Bud — Cercis. — The Judas tree, or, as more commonly
known, the red bud — cercis Canadensis — forms a low, round-
headed tree of from eight to fifteen feet in height, with round
heart-shaped leaves of a dark bluish green above and a light
sea green underneath, that make it remarkable as well as
112
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
beautiful. It combines in planting harmoniously with the
laburnum, snow-ball, thorn, and others, but its best position is
just against or intermixed on the outskirts of a group of
Austrian or Norway pines. There its profusion of bright
pinkish red flowers, early in April and before the leaves have
grown, borne all along on its branches, and often even on
the main stem, are brought out so finely against the green of
the pines, that it becomes one of the most pleasing and
prominent of ornamental trees. There are two species in culti-
vation, the American, C. Canadensis, and the European, C.
Fig. 58.— Stuartia.
siliquastrum. The European blooms rather more freely than
the American, and of a shade deeper in color. Any well-drained
soil suits it.
The Snow Berry — Symphoricarpus. — The snow berry or St.
Peter's wort is a common well-known old shrub, considered
troublesome, when planted by itself or near borders, on account
of its numerous suckers. It is a good shrub to use in rock-work,
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
113
and its white fruit contrasts prettily when it is planted among
low-growing shrub evergreens of narrow foliage. The varieties
racemosus and montanus have white fruit, while the vulgaris,
which is sometimes called Indian currant, has red fruit.
The Stuartia. — The Stuartia pentagynia and Virginica are
shrubs, natives of the higher portions of Virginia and Tennes-
see, and but little cultivated. They are partially hardy, fully so
in sheltered positions, but not perfectly in open, clear exposures.
Fig. 59.— Strawberry Tree.
The foliage is large, broad oval or ovate, and the flowers also
large and pure white or with a shade of purple at the bottom
of the petals, and the bloom is kept up some six weeks in
succession in July and August. They are beautiful shrubs,
and deserve a place and care in all gardens. Moist sandy
loam containing considerable of vegetable mold suits their
wants best.
The Strawberry Tree — Euonymus. — The euonymus Ameri-
114
LAWN AND SHADE TEEES.
canus is known in various places under the different names of
strawberry tree, spindle tree, burning bush, etc., etc., and
although common is a much prized and very ornamental shrub
tree. The varieties are all good and desirable, as decorative
plants esjiecially, when they can be used in connection with low-
growing evergreens, that assist in bringing more prominently
forward their bright rose-colored, crimson, or white fruit, which
generally hangs on all winter. The difference in the American
or European varieties, so far as ornamental use is regarded, is
Fig. 60.— Spie.ea Pkunifolia Flore Pleno.
mainly in the stronger growth of the European, it sometimes
making a tree of fifteen to twenty feet high, while the American
rarely grows over eight to twelve feet. The broad-leaved
variety, latifolia, is the handsomest in its foliage, and should be
used when only one plant is wanted.
The Spanish Broom — Cytisus.— The Cytisus var. capitatus,
Mrsutus, and others, are small slender- growing plants, more
singular than handsome. They are not perfectly hardy, often
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SI1KFBS.
115
dying out after a few years' culture. Their value is mainly in
some jDosition near the top of some rocky point. Stems
greenish yellow, flowers yellow in June and July.
The SopnoEA. — The sophora Japonica or Japan sophora is a
beautiful round-headed tree, with smooth dark green bark and
delicate blue green foliage. In the Northern and Middle States
it is not perfectly hardy, but south of Philadelphia it stands
pretty well, and deserves a place in all grounds where the
climate will admit. It is sometimes crown in sheltered situa-
Fig. 61.— Srre.EA Callosa.
tions at the North, amid evergreens or on poor thin soils, which
seem to increase its hardiness, probably because of less succu-
lence in the shoots and their better ripening.
The Spir/ea. — The species and varieties of spirnca number over
fifty, all of which are hardy and beautiful both in flower and
foliage. A grouj) may be formed alone of the varieties of spiraea
that will give almost a continuation of flowers from May until
October. Their growth is usually from two to four feet,
116
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
coming from the crown by a number of stems in the natural
way; but they may be kept to a single stem if desired, and
clipped to any wished height. No place can be complete with-
out many plants of the spiraea, and no garden is too small to
admit of their introduction.
The following are among the most beautiful, viz., prurvifolia
flore pleno, niconderii, thalictroides, crenata, lanceolata fore
ple?io, callosa alba, and floribunda, all with white flowers. The
Fig. 62.— Spikjea Douglassi.
bella, JSfobleana, eximia, callosa, Douglassii, and Billardii all have
pink or rosy flowers. For decorating small lots in cemeteries
all the spiraeas are extremely well suited, especially those with
white flowers.
The Snow-Ball — Viburnum. — The snow-ball or Guelder rose
— viburnum opulus — is a well-known shrub, common in almost all
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
117
gardens, and is truly one of the most ornamental shrubs or low
trees known. It is suited either to mass with other deciduous
plants or for grouping with low evergreens, or as a single plant.
Its large clusters of white flowers early in May, and large, broad
foliage, which toward autumn changes to a bright red, make it
always handsome. There is a double-flowering variety, and
several with variously shaped foliage ; the lantana-leaved —
Fig. C3.— Silver Bell.
lantanoides — being the best. The high bush canberry — vibur-
num oxycoccus — is less ornamental in its flowers, but is more so
in its fruit; and besides, it may be made to serve economically in
the use of the fruit as a substitute for cranberries, while it fills a
118 LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
prominent place for ornament in the shrubbery. Ill of the
varieties grow freely in any good garden soil.
The Snow-Drop Tree — Halesia. — When in flow; the snow*
drop or silver-bell tree is one of the most beau ul objects
among shrub trees. The tetraptera or four-win: d halesia
produces a profusion of pure white flowers, like ow-drops,
hanging in small clusters of four to eight all along i branches, .
that open during the last of April or early in May icfore the
leaves have grown, giving to the tree a most ique and
beautiful effect from its waving, drooping mass of & >wy white
laced with the lines of dark brown from its branches It makes
a tree in height from fifteen to twenty fret.
The diptera or two-winged halesia docs not blooms early as
the four- winged, but its flowers are larger and evermore pure
white, so that when in bloom the tree excites the ad ration of
all beholders. The foliage is larger and broader than le tetrap-
tera, and altogether it is a variety that should be pi ted in all
collections of any extent. As small lawn trees, or fonrominent
positions in small yards, both varieties are worthy a>lace, and
when planted in front of a cluster of evergreens the beauty is
much increased in effect.
The Sweet-Scented Sunn: — Galycanthus. — le sweet-
scented shrub or allspice — calycanthw floridus — is a nv shrub
with broad, dark brownish green foliage and dark bi vn wood,
producing a dull, dusky, chocolate-colored flower 1 ;hly per-
fumed, as is also the foliage, but less strong ; ad it is
from this peculiar and agreeable perfume that he plant
obtains universal favor and introduction into even t smallest
gardens. Its growth is usually three to four feet hip and as
many broad, blossoms mostly produced in June, al lugh, in
some seasons, occasional flowers are produced unti autumn.
There are quite a number of varieties, varying in tl form of
foliage; and where room can be had for a cluster, t ir intro-
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SfiEUBS.
119
duction y increased A-ariety adds much to the beauty of a
garden. The variety fioridus is, however, the most fragrant and
desirabh vhen only one plant is wanted. Pieces of the root have
a strong 'amphor scent. Rich, deep sandy, loamy soil, and a
position lartially shaded, produce the most healthy and vigor-
ous grow
The S unga — Pliiladelplms. — The syringa or mock orange is
another d and well-known shrub, some of its varieties being
cultivate in nearly every garden in the United States. All are
hardy, Jd grow freely in almost any soil or situation ; all
produce hite flowers, many of them very fragrant, and some as
beautifu as orange blossoms. The height attained by most
varieties i from eight to ten feet, with stiff, erect stems and side
branches that when in flower droop at the ends. There are
two or hree dwarf varieties, growing three to four feet,
as Mrsui . nana, and others; but they do not flower as freely as
the tall] growing sorts, and are not desirable, because the
Deutzias spiraeas, etc., may take their place. The syringas
incline b throw up a cluster of stems; and if left and clipped
at top ny be formed into handsome shapes, or they may be
kept to \c single stem by cutting away all suckers. Of the
varieties ic Garland — coronarius — profuse flowered, floribimdus,
and Gorln's Gordoniana are among the best.
The T>iar.ise: — Tamarix. — The tamarisk is one of the most
delicate id airy-like in appearance among shrubs. Its annual
stems ar long and slender, with very narrow juniper or red
cedar-iik foliage ; and early in May the African and Algiers are
covered 1 along the branches with small, bright pinkish red
flowers, aking them very attractive and especially beautiful
when sel from among a group of junipers, savins, etc. There
are sever other varieties, as the German, French, etc., all more
or less tider except in sheltered situations or having winter
protectic, when grown in the Northern and Middle States.
120
LAWN AND SHADE TREES.
The plant should be clipped back occasionally, otherwise it is
liable to grow too rambling, irregular, and tall, and its beauty
and quantity of bloom become reduced. Any good loamy
soil suits it.
The Weigela. — Among all the plants introduced during the
past thirty years, we do not think any one more truly beautiful
Fig. 64.— White Feinge Tree.
than the Weigela rosea when in flower. It is a shrub of the easiest
cultivation, growing freely in almost any soil, forming a round
regular bush ; and when loaded with its large clusters of rose-
colored flowers, borne upon the side branches and at the
extremities of the shoots, it has a slightly drooping and
graceful form, extremely beautiful. Since its introduction
varieties have been produced, all very beautiful, but none
surpassing the rosea. The amabilis has a somewhat larger foliage,
and a habit of sometimes blooming in autumn, which makes it
quite desirable. Alba has flowers almost white or of a delicate
ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 121
pinkish white, and Desbois has flowers like rosea, except they
are darker when first opened. The variegated-leaved weigela is
a strong grower, and desirable on account of its foliage, being
edged with yellow.
The plants may be grown in clusters or to a single stem. In
the latter way the side branches become horizontal, almost
drooping, especially when in flower, and for single specimens
present in this manner perhaps the best and most pleasing
effect.
The White Fringe Tree — Chionanthus. — The white fringe
tree or Virginian snow-flower — chionanthus Virginica — is a shrub
or low tree with dark green foliage and producing a profusion
of drooping racemes of pretty white flowers in the month of
June. It delights in moist soil, and by the side of water grows
vigorously, and is, when in flower, an extremely pretty shrub.
In dry soils its growth is very slow, and it is not specially
desirable as compared with many other plants that grow freely
and bloom at the same period.
6
IISTDEX.
DECIDUOUS TREES.
PAGE
Abele Tree 40
Ash, European 9
" American 9
" Gold-barked 9
" Willow-leaved 9
" Myrtle do 9
" Crisped do 10
'• Dwarf Globe-headed 9
'• Gold-blotched 10
" Flowering 10
" Mountain 3ti
" Macrophylla 11
Ailantus — Tree of Heaven 11
Bassvvood 22
Beech, American 11
Purple-leaved 12
Cut-leaved 13
• Crested 13
" Oak-leaved 13
" Large do 13
" Gold-striped 13
Silver do 13
Box Elder 29
Birch, Black 13
■• Tall 13
European White 13
Butternut 13
Catalpa * 14
Chestnut. Sweet 14
Horse 21
" French Marron 15
Coffee Tree. Kentucky 15
Cucumber Tree 30
Cherry, Bird. . 15
'* Perfumed or Mahaleb 16 I
" Double Flowering 16
Cypress, Deciduous 16
Dogwood, Florida IT
" Variegated leaved 18!
Red-twigged 18 ;
" European 18
Elm. American White 18 j
Red 18 I
" European 19 '•
■■ Scotch 19
" Cork-barked 20
Ginka, Japan 20 ,
l AGE
Horse-Chestnut, White Flowering . 21
Yellow do. . 22
Bed do. . 22
" " Double do. . 22
Hickory . 22
Linden" or Lime 22
White-leaved 24
" European 24
" Fern-leaved 24
'■ Grape do 24
Locust 24
Spreading 24
" Crisp-leaved 24
"■'■ Rose-flowered 24
" Honey. 24
Larch, European 25
American 26
Maple 26
'■ Red or Scarlet. 26
" Silver-leaved 27
" Sugar 28
" Norway 28
" Sycamore 28
" Striped-barked 28
" Large-leaved 28
" English 28
;' Tricolor 29
" Cut-leaved 29
" Purple do 29
" Ash do 29
Magnolia acuminata 29
macrophylla 30
" cordata 31
" auriculata 31
glauca 31
lougi folia 32
Gordoniana 32
Thompsoniana 32
tripetala 32
purpurea 33
gracilis 33
conspicua 33
Soulangia 33
Norbertiana 33
Lenne 33
Mulberry 33
Downing's Everbearing... 33
124
INDEX.
PAGE
Mountain Ash, American 34
'• European. 35
" Aria or Vertata 35
" Oak-leaved a5
•• Elder do 35
" " Pear do 35
" Gold-striped 35
Oak, White 37
" Rock Chestnut 37
" Scarlet 37
" English 37
" Live 37
•' Cork -barked 37
Osage Orange 37
Poplar. Lombardy 33
Balsam 40
TAGE
Poplar, Balm of Gilead 40
Silver 40
Pepperidge 40
Persimmon 41
Paulownia 42
Shavanon 14
Sassafras 42
Service Tree 35
Tulip Tree 42
Tamarack 2(5
Walnut, European 43
Black 43
" White 22
Willow, Golden 43
White 44
White Beau Tree 35
WEEPING DECIDUOUS TREES.
Acacia, Weeping 55
Ash, European Weeping 4(5
" Gold-barked do 47
" Lentiscus do 47
Beech, Weeping 47
Birch, European Weeping 48
" Out-leaved do 48
Cherry, Everflowering Weeping 49
Dwarf do 49
Elm, Scotch Weeping 49
" Camperdown Weeping 50
'• Scampston do 50
Larch, Weeping 55
Linden, White-leaved Weeping 50
Locust, Weeping 55
Mountain Ash. Weeping 51
Poplar, do 51
Sophora, do 51
Thorn, do 51
Willow, do 51
" Fountain do 54
" Kilmarnock Weeping 54
Varieties of Trees with Variegated
Foliage 5o
EVERGREEN TREES.
Arbor Vita?, American 77
" Hovev's 77
" Tom Thumb 77
" " Chinese 78
" Siberian 78
'■ Erioides 77
Cedar, Red 78
" Lebanon 79
" Indian or Deodar 79
" African or Silver 79
" Japan 79
Cypress, Lawson's 70
Fir, Balsam 70
" Nordman's 72
" Pinsapo 72
" European Silver 70
'.' Noble Silver 72
" Mount, Enos 72
" Cephalonian 73
" Hudson's Bay 72
" Hemlock 77
Pine, Heavy- wooded 65
" Bentham's 64
" Corsican 64
" Scotch (54
" Banksian 63
" Russian 62
" Australis 61
" Austrian 60
" Norway 67
" Calabrian 66
" Pitch 67
" Yellow 60
" Bhotau 60
" Swiss 67
" White 58
Sequoia gigantea 67
Spruce, Norway 73
'• American Red 73
White 73
Hemlock 77
Thujopsis Borealis 70
WEEPING EVERGREEN TREES.
Funebral Cypress SO
Juniperus oblonga pendula 80
Juniperus, Virginiana pendula 81
Thuja tiliformis 81
INDEX.
125
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
PAGE
Andromeda .89
Ash Berry 87
Box Tree, Semper lirens 87
•' Myetifolta 87
■• Aurea 87
Argeutea 87
Cotoneaster 88
Daphne Cneorum 91
Evergreen Thorn, Pyracantha 88
Enonymus 89
Holly" 89
Juniper Snecica 83
" Hibernica 83
Canadensis &3
" squamata 83
nana 84
Juniper eehiniformia 84
" sabina 84
" prostrata 84
Kalmia latifolia 90
angastifolia 90
Mahonia aquit'olia 87
Pine, Pumilo 85
" Mugho 85
Rhododendron maximum 90
" Catawbiense 90
Yew, Japan 85
■ English 80
" Irish 86
" Erect 80
" American 86
( ) V, NAM K XT AL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
Acacia 93
Althea 94
Alder 94
Almond 94
Azalea 95
Amorpha 96
Amelanchier 96
Barberry 97
Buckthorn 97
Buffalo Tree 98
Bladder Senna 98
Nut 98
Clethra 98
Currant 99
Deutzia 100
Elder 101
Forsytbia 101
Golden Bell Shrub 101
Halesia 118
Hawthorn 101
Horse-Chrstnut 101
Honeysuckle 102
Hop Tree 101
Hydrangea 101
Hippohae 104
Indigo Shrub..' 96
June Berry 96
Judas Tie.'- or Red Bud Ill
Japan Globe Flower 104
Japan Quince 110
Eoelreuteria 104
Laburnum 105
Locust, Clammy-barked 93
Varieties 93
Lilac 105
Mezerenm 100
Magnolia 106
oleaster 107
Flowering Plum 108
Double Flowering ids
Pri vet or Prim 109
Purple Fringe 110
Red Bud Ill
Rose of Sharon 94
Snow Berry. 112
St. Peter's 'Wort 112
Swamp Pink 95
Shad Bush 96
Stuartia 113
Strawberry Tree 113
Spanish Broom 113
Sophora 114
Spirea .... 114
Snowball 115
Snowdrop or Silver Bell Tree lis
Syringa ? 119
Sweet-scented Shrub lis
Tamarisk 1 r!>
Weigela 120
While Fringe Tree 121
LIBRARY
FACULTY OF FORESTRY
SB Elliott, Franklin Reuben
4.35 Popular deciduous ever-
E55 green trees and shrubs
forestry
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY
L18RARV
FACULTY OF FORESTRY
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
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