0542 



is a spreading shrub full of very entire oval leaves. The white flowers, in umbels, are very 

 numerous, axillary, and unilateral. 



The hardhack spirea, Spircea tomentosa, is a small tree with a straight trunk. The 

 leaves are oval lanceolate, irregularly toothed, yellow green above and white underneath. 

 The red flowers are in terminal clusters. 



RANGE: Like the two previous ones, it originated in America. It's been 

 naturalized in our gardens for a long time. 



NOMENCLATURE. According to Pliny Spircea comes from the Greek spireon, a 

 name the ancients gave to a bush whose branches were used especially for making 

 garlands. 



USES. The spireas deserve cultivation as ornamentals in groves and large gardens. 

 Their many flowers make a delightful sight. They can be used to make hedgerows and to 

 beautify wild areas, especially next to a shoreline where they look lovely and do well. 



CULTIVATION. These plants are very hardy and easy to grow. They're propagated 

 from seeds, suckers, layers, and cuttings. Unless the soil is absolutely wretched, they're 

 certain to grow quickly. It's a good idea to replace them after a few years because they 

 become disfigured as they age. 



KEY TO PLATES. 



438. Snow spirea. 1. Calyx, stamens, and pistils. 



439. Willow-leaved spirea. Flower, enlarged. 2. Calyx and stamens. 3. Pistils. 



440. Germander spirea. 



441 . Snowball-bush-leaved spirea. 1 . Calyx and capsules. 2. Complete flower. 



442. Hardhack spirea. 1. Calyx and stamens. 2. Flower, enlarged. 



443. St. John's wort-leaved spirea. 1. Calyx and stamens. 



