296 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



It is male and female, on different plants. The branches of 

 the female trees are thickly studded with clusters of small 

 crimson berries, nearly the size of the red currant. The fruit 

 has a pleasant acid flavor, and is sometimes used for jelly or 

 preserve. There is an astringent taste in addition to the acid, 

 which makes the fruit of little value, in comparison with the 

 common currant. For an ornamental tree or shrub, it deserves 

 a place among other plants. It is beautiful fruit. Male and 

 female plants should be ordered. The flowers cannot boast of 

 much beauty. 



SPARTIUM. 



Broom. 



Spartium, from Greek, signifying cordage ; the earliest 

 ropes were made of this and similar plants. The species are 

 shrubs, thick-set with verdant, flexible, rush-like twigs, which 

 are very ornamental in winter, and generally profusely covered 

 with showy white or yellow pea-shaped flowers in summer. 



Spartium scoparium. Common Brown. A very orna- 

 mental shrub in garden scenery, producing a profusion of its 

 showy blossoms. It is not very common in New England, as 

 our winters are rather severe upon it. In the interior of the 

 country, we find no difficulty in keeping it, when the snows are 

 deep. If planted on the north side of a wall, and covered with 

 snow, it will be found perfectly green in the spring, and flowers 

 abundantly. 



SPIRAEA. 



Spiraa, in Greek, signifies a cord. Spireon is Pliny's name 

 for a plant, the blossoms of which are used in garlands. The 

 genus affords many ornamental shrubs, all very hardy, and 

 easy to cultivate. 



Spi?'csa hyper leaf olia. Hyperica-leaved Spira3a, or, St. Pe- 

 ter's Wreath. This is a very elegant shrub, producing its 



