274 Trees for Shade and Ornament 



species of small trees (fifteen to thirty feet), is one of the loveliest of 

 early bloomers in the woods (early April), with pure white, delicate 

 flowers in short, open racemes, appearing with the delicate foliage in 



Fig. 96. — Italian Alder. Almis cordifoUa Ten. 



profusion, beginning the show when quite young. The thin, rose- 

 like, light green leaves turn golden-yellow; the dark blue, edible fruit 

 is formed in June, and gives rise to its Canadian name, Sugar Plum. 

 A round-headed small tree, it is fit for small places or to be grown in 

 shrub form on hillsides, embankments, etc., being hardy everywhere. 

 It is good as a filler in large masses and combined with evergreens. 



