304 HORTICULTURE FOR SCHOOLS 



cellent shrub for massed plantings about the bases of build- 

 ings or as a border for lawns or in similar situations. 



426. Viburnum. One of the best known members of this 

 genus is Viburnum Opulus, commonly called snowball. The 

 flowers are borne in dense spherical clusters and make a very 

 showy appearance. 



Another ornamental species is Viburnum Tinus, the com- 

 mon name of which is Laurestinus. This is frequently kept 

 closely clipped and used as a hedge plant, but may be allowed 

 to grow to its full height. It attains a maximum height of 

 twelve or fifteen feet. Viburnum is a member of the same 

 family as the honeysuckle and the leaves strongly resemble 

 those of the latter, although the habit of growth of the two is 

 entirely different. The viburnum is easily propagated from 

 seed and, since it is grown with very little care, it is very com- 

 monly used as an ornamental plant. 



427. Barberry. 1 A number of species of barberry are 

 used as ornamental plants in North America. The technical 

 name is Berberis. One of the species, Berberis Thunbergii, 

 is a low dense shrub with brilliant foliage and bright berries; 

 it is an excellent ornamental where low-growing material is 

 desired. One of the points especially in its favor is that it is 

 fairly tolerant of shade, although -it grows also very well in 

 bright sunlight. A closely related form, sometimes called 

 Berberis Aquifolium but usually classed as a separate genus 

 under the name Mahonia Aquifolium, is the state flower of 

 Oregon. This plant is also rather tolerant of shade and is 

 characterized by glossy bronze-green foliage and yellow 

 flowers. It is a very handsome shrub growing somewhat 

 higher than Berberis Thunbergii. 



428. Philadelphus. Among the higher-growing shrubs, 

 one of the most popular is mock orange or syringa. There are 



1 In wheat-growing areas of the United States, it must be remembered that 

 the barberry is an intermediary host for the common wheat rust and its use 

 as an ornamental plant should, therefore, be avoided. 



