EPIGJEA EUONYMUS. 237 



EPIG.EA. 



Ground Laurel. 



The generic name is from Greek words, signifying upon the 

 earth. The woody, hairy stems grow flat upon the ground, 

 and throw out roots all the length of its branches. 



Epigcea repens. May Flower. This beautiful, fragrant 

 flower is found in many parts of the country, and is worthy of a 

 place in the flower-garden ; no doubt it will succeed well when 

 grown among shrubs where it will be partially shaded. It is in 

 flower in April. It produces delicate flesh-colored or white 

 flowers, and sometimes is found with light-red blossoms. Mr. 

 Emerson says : " It abounds in the edges of woods, about Plym- 

 outh, as elsewhere, and must have been the first flower to 

 salute the storm-beaten crew of the Mayflower on the conclu- 

 sion of their first terrible winter. Their descendants have 

 thence piously derived the name, although its bloom is often 

 past before the coming in of the month of May." The stems 

 of the plant are several feet in length, generally covered with 

 the fallen leaves. The flower-stems are thrown up at inter- 

 vals of two or three inches, three or four inches high, produc- 

 ing flowers in crowded clusters. The flower-buds are formed 

 in August. Leaves evergreen. 



EUONYMUS. 



Spindle Tree Strawberry Tree. 



Euonymus Americanus. Burning Bush. An elegant 

 shrub, growing eight or ten feet high, producing rather incon- 

 spicuous purple flowers in clusters, which are succeeded by 

 brilliant scarlet fruit, that remains after the foliage has fallen ; 

 highly ornamental. The foliage is handsome ; the branches 

 erect, of a fresh green color. There is a variety with purplish- 



