DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 202 



found scattered sparsely through warm sheltered v^alleys, 

 along the Hudson and other rivers of the northern sections 

 of the United States, but most abundantly on the Ohio. 

 It is valuable as an ornamental tree, no less on account of 

 its exceedingly neat foliage, which is exactly heart-shaped, 

 or cordiform, and of a pleasing green tint, than for its 

 pretty pink blossoms. These, which are pea-shaped, are 

 produced in little clusters close to the branches, often in 

 great profusion, early in the spring, before the leaves have 

 expanded. From the appearance of the limbs at that 

 period, it has in some places obtained the name of Red- 

 hud. It is then one of the most ornamental of trees, and, 

 in company with the Dog- wood, serves greatly to enliven 

 the scene, and herald the advent of the floral season. 

 These blossoms, according to Loudon (Encycl. of Plants), 

 having an agreeable poignancy, are frequently eaten in 

 salads abroad, and pickled by the French families in 

 Canada. The name of Judas tree appears to have been 

 whimsically bestowed by Gerard, an old English gardener, 

 who described it in 1596, and relates that "this is the tree 

 whereon Judas did hange himselfe ; and not upon the elder 

 tree, as it is said." 



There are two species in common cultivation ; the 

 American (C Canadensis) and the European (C Sili- 

 quastrum). The latter much resembles our native tree. 

 The flowers, however, are deeper in color ; the leaves 

 darker, and less pointed at the extremity. It also produces 

 blossoms rather more profusely than the American tree. 

 Both species are highly worthy of a place in the garden, or 

 near the house, where their pleasing vernal influences maj 

 be observed. 



