The Australian brush cherry (Eugenia myrtifolia) is probably the best 

 species for planting in this state, since it can be grown as a shrub or tree. 

 It is a smair evergreen tree with many myrtle-like glossy green leaves. The 

 young foliage shoots are red and form a pleasing contrast with the older leaves. 

 The myrtle-like blossoms, which are creamy in color, occur in profusion, 

 followed by reddish globular-shaped fruit. The form of this tree is columnar 

 and the growth is fairly rapid. In southern California a height of forty feet 

 in twenty years was reached by one tree noted at Coronado. Eugenia stands 

 pruning well and is often planted close together to form tall, narrow hedges. 

 It should make a splendid street tree in most parts of the state where the frosts 

 are not too severe, because of its many admirable qualities. It is particularly 

 adapted to narrow streets where heavy shade is not desired. It sometimes 

 is defoliated by cold north winds so should be used with caution in exposed 

 places. 



GOLDEN CHAIN 



The golden chain (Laburnum vulgare) is one of the most ornamental of 

 small trees. It is a native of the mountainous woods of Central Europe which 

 it graces with its smooth, shiny leaves and long pendent racemes of yellow 

 "golden chain" flowers. 



All the green parts of the tree are poisonous, which was known to Pliny, 

 who stated that the bees never touched its blossoms. The wood is tough and 

 hard and was used for bows by the ancient Gauls. 



The golden chain grows erect and reaches a height of twenty to thirty 

 feet. It has an 'irregular picturesque head, smooth olive-green bark, and small 

 clover-like leaves. The hanging clusters of fragrant golden blossoms which 

 are set so thickly upon the tree that the foliage is well-nigh hidden, are the 

 chief charm of the tree. 



This tree is adapted to small lawns or borders of shrubbery where it should 

 be allowed enough space to show its golden blossoms as a contrast to the dark- 

 green foliage. It thrives on well-drained soils, particularly in the southern 

 part of the state. An interesting feature of this tree is the expelling of the seed 

 from pods on dry days with considerable force and a noticeable crackling 

 noise. 



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