338 PLANT CULTURE 



V. dentatum, the Arrow Wood, is an attractive native shrub with 

 coarsely toothed leaves and bluish black fruits. V. Carlesii is a most 

 attractive species with pink and white flowers opening early in the 

 Spring. For naturahzing there are several native sorts: V. alnifolium, 

 V. acerifolium, V. prunifolium, V. cassinoides and V. Lentago. 



Propagation. Seeds sown in Spring after stratifying during 

 Winter. When propagated from cuttings the growing tips should 

 be taken in Summer ; this must be done during a wet spell or from 

 bushes which have been kept watered, otherwise the cuttings are 

 very apt to lose their leaves during the process. Many of the sorts 

 may also be propagated by hardwood cuttings. 



VITEX (Chaste Tree). In the region of Washington, V. 

 Agnus-castus is one of the best late blooming shrubs, surviving the 

 Winter without protection; farther north it needs protection and a 

 sheltered situation. The flowers are purpHsh blue or white. The 

 plant blooms in August and September. V. cannabcefolia forms 

 large, wide bushes, but it suffers during very severe weather. Both 

 species are best raised from seeds. There is a hybrid form between 

 the two species, with V. Agnus-castus as the seed parent; it is equally 

 as hardy as that species, and comes true from seed. 



XANTHOCERAS. A native of Northern China, X. sorbifolia, 

 was first grown in Europe about 40 years ago. It flowers after reach- 

 ihg a height of about 18 inches. Adult specimens, it is said, reach a 

 height of 20 feet. The flowers are arranged singly, on a central 

 stalk, which is several inches long. The stalk is upright, the bottom 

 flowers opening first. In general appearance the individual flowers 

 have a striking resemblance to those of the Shortia galacifolia. 

 They have the same crumpled appearance on first opening. The 

 outward parts of the petals are pure white, and nearest the base the 

 color is at first yellowish green, subsequently streaked with brownish 

 red and eventually changing to a brighter red. The flower stalks are 

 produced on the ends of the previous season's wood; flowers and 

 foliage expand together. In appearance the foUage somewhat re- 

 sembles that of the Mountain Ash. The fruit is quite large, fully 

 the size of a Horse Chestnut. The seeds are brownish black, three- 

 quarters of an inch in diameter. 



Propagation. The seed should be sown as soon as ripe and 

 kept cool so as not to force germination mtil the middle of April. 

 To insure the best results each seed should be sown singly in a 3-inch 

 pot. This does away with the possibility of injuring the tender 

 roots in transferring to larger receptacles or to nursery rows. From 



