198 Ornamental Shrubs. 



R. cotinus Smoke tree, Venetian sumach is not only 

 the most remarkable member of the family, but also one 

 of the most peculiar and interesting of the hardy plants. 

 Its departures from the family type led Nuttall in his 

 description of the bush to name it Rhus cotinoides, indi- 

 cating thereby resemblance rather than identity. Prof. 

 Sargent in our own day takes much the same view, and 

 so inclines to a distinct classification. Be that as it may, 

 the plant is likely to be known in the future, as it has been 

 in the past, to the great majority of those who have to do 

 with it, as the Venetian sumach or smoke tree. The bush 

 is much planted in England, and the London Garden 

 speaks of it from that standpoint as follows : " This 

 when in flower always arrests the attention, because of its 

 singular appearance, of even those who do not take a 

 general interest in shrubs. On account of the feathery 

 nature of the sterile flower-clusters, some call it the wig 

 tree, a name by which perhaps it is better known than 

 Venetian sumach. It is an invaluable shrub, as it is 

 attractive at a time when shrubberies begin to look dull and 

 monotonous. It is always a dwarf, spreading bush, rarely 

 more than eight feet high. Its glaucous, round leaves 

 make a pleasing contrast to the reddish, feathery clusters. 

 It is hardy, almost evergreen, and grows in all kinds of 

 soils, but must always have plenty of room to allow 

 of full development." The autumnal foliage assumes 

 a lovely shade of rosy-crimson, and whether in groups 

 or standing as single specimens out in the open, it 

 is certain to attract attention. The flowers are in loose 

 panicles, of light purple or flesh color, the pedicels becoming 



