160 THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



Azalea^ as being expressive of the appearance of its 

 flowers, which are in general of the color of the finest 

 red lead, orange and bright gold, as well as yellow 

 and cream color. These various splendid colors are 

 not only in separate plants, but frequently all the 

 varieties and shades are seen in separate branches on 

 the same plant, and the clusters of blossoms cover 

 the shrubs in such incredible profusion on the hill- 

 sides, that suddenly opening to view from dark 

 shades, we are alarmed with the apprehension of the 

 woods being set on fire. This is certainly the most 

 gay and brilliant flowering shrub yet known." 



1. Ivy. ' (Kalmia latifolia, Linn.) — A beautiful 

 shrub known from New England to Georgia, either 

 by the above name, or as Laiu^el, Mountain Laurel 

 and Calico Bush. In this State it is known under 

 the first and last names, the first being most in use. 

 It is most abundant in the mountains, but is found 

 along streams and on rocky hills of the Middle Dis- 

 trict, extending somewhat into the Lower, even into 

 the Dismal Swamp. This, in combination with the 

 Laurel^ which often accompanies it and blossoms at 

 the same time, presents a scene of floral beauty rarely 

 equaled in this country. Like the Laurel, this is an 

 evergreen, and forms also impenetrable thickets, but 

 its leaves are shining, much darker and smaller. It 

 is 10 to 15 and even 20 feet high. 



The leaves are poisonous to cattle, and a snuff 

 made from them is a powerful sternutatory. An 

 ointment made from the powdered leaves has been 



