EXPERIMENT STATION 



Ornamental Trees and Shrubs for 

 Montana. 



INTRODUCTION 



The results of experiments in testing different kinds of orna- 

 mental trees and shrubs are given on the following pages, together 

 with some general observations on the success of plants of this 

 character growing in various parts of the state. In selecting the 

 plants for testing, those were chosen that promised well, and had 

 proved their value in other places. W'e have found that some 

 plants reported as being hardy in places of lower winter tempera- 

 tures than this station are not hardy here, because of the high alti- 

 tude of this place, and the resulting short growing season. There 

 are, no doubt, many hardy plants suitable for ornamental purposes 

 which have not yet been tested here. We have chosen those that 

 gave promise of being hardy and adapted to the conditions under 

 which they were to be grown. Much work is yet to be done in 

 gathering plants and testing them for hardiness. 



The scientific names of plants used conform to those given 

 in the Cyclopedia of American Horticulture, from which many val- 

 uable suggestions have been obtained in regard to the character- 

 istics of ornamental plants. 



THE VALUE OF ORNAMENTAL TREES 



No one questions the value of planting ornamental trees and 

 shrubs upon the home grounds. It is conceded by all that trees 

 and shrubs properly placed and planted will add very much to the 

 beauty of any home and thus materially increase its value. Trees 

 and shrubs on the lawn or about houses make living conditions 

 more pleasant and have much to do with the healthfulness of any 

 home. 



Success in growing ornamental plants in Montana depends 

 upon the selection of the kinds adapted to our conditions of climate 

 and soil; upon the preparation of the ground; and upon the care in 

 setting out and the subsequent treatment. Special attention to 

 cultivation and irrigation is sometimes necessary in order to proper- 

 ly grow plants and cause them to mature before freezing weather 

 in the fall. Some ornamental plants show a tendencv to start 



