INTRODUCTION 



The plant lists compiled in this booklet are intended to serve as an 

 example of classification of plant material according to special pur- 

 poses. These lists are not complete that is, they do not describe 

 each species in full, nor do they include all native or imported plants 

 of value for ornamental purposes. The author has sought to list in 

 general only the species that are reasonably common in cultivation, 

 and may be reasonably expected to grow under average ordinary con- 

 ditions. 



The plants thus listed are to be found in use for ornamental plant- 

 ing in that part of of the United States north of the Oihio River and 

 east of the Missouri River. The degree of success with many of 

 these plants varies in different localities. The Ericaceae, including 

 many of the broad-leaved evergreen plants in common use in eastern 

 states, are without exception unsuccessful in the limestone soil region 

 of the Middle West. The extreme climatic variations in the same 

 section reduce the number of dependable coniferous evergreens to a 

 dissatisfying minimum. 



The author has, therefore, distinguished those plants that have 

 proved to be reasonably successful and are under cultivation by sev- 

 eral nurserymen throughout that portion of the United States included 

 in this list. Plants that are considered thus generally in use are marked 

 with an asterisk (*). 



Plants that are not so marked may be very successful in a num- 

 ber of localities that are widely separated. It is left to the reader to 

 determine whether any particular species that is not designated as gen- 

 erally hardy, but which he desires, is successful in his particular 

 locality. This may be determined by personal observation or by in- 

 quiry of a nurseryman or landscape architect. 



Complete description of the plants listed is impossible in the limited 

 space available. It is necessary for anyone who is unfamiliar with 

 the plants named to supplement this list by personal observation the 

 year round, and by reference to Bailey's Encyclopedia of Horticul- 

 ture, various nursery descriptive catalogues and books on trees, shrubs 

 and flowers. 



