ROSE TRIBE. 181 



species is distinguished from the preceding by the cha- 

 racters given above, and by its lower stature, which is 

 said not to exceed 8 feet, while the other attains a height 

 of 30 40 feet. The fruit also differs in being juicy, 

 acid, and always red. Some botanists, however, con- 

 sider them mere varieties of the same tree, From one 

 or other all the cultivated kinds of Cherry are derived. 

 Fl. May. Shrub. 



2. SPIR^A (Meadow-sweet). 



1. S. Ulmdria (Meadow-sweet, Queen of the Mea- 

 dows). Herbaceous ; leaves pinnate, the alternate leaf- 

 lets smaller, white with down beneath, terminal leaflet 

 very large and lobed ; flowers in compound erect cymes. 

 Moist meadows ; common. A tall plant, 2 4 feet 

 'high, with densely crowded yellowish-white flowers, 

 which are elegant and fragrant. Fl. July, August. 

 Perennial. 



2. S. Filipendula (Dropwort). Herbaceous ; leaves 

 pinnate, with the alternate leaflets smaller, all deeply 

 cut into narrow, serrated segments ; flowers in a pani- 

 ded cyme. Dry pastures, especially on a limestone soil, 

 about a foot high ; well distinguished from the last by 

 its elegantly cut foliage, and less crowded flowers, the 

 petals of which are pink externally before they expand, 

 and when open are white and scentless. A variety with 

 double flowers is common in gardens. Fl. July Sep- 

 tember. Perennial. 



* S. salicifolia (Willow-leaved Spiraea), is a shrubby 

 species, with spike-like clusters of rose-coloured flowers, 

 and simple (not pinnated) leaves. It is occasionally 

 found in Scotland, "Wales, and the north of England, but 

 is not considered to be a native. Several other species of 

 Spira? a are common in gardens, to which they are very 

 ornamental. They are easily propagated by cuttings, 

 and will grow in any moist situation. 



