FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 29 



So common a tree needs no description, but it may be 

 well to mention that there are several worthy varieties, 

 which flower almost equally well with the parent tree. 



Catalpa (Bignoniaceae). 



Catalpa bignonioides (syn C. syringcefolia). — Indian 

 Bean. North America, 1726. When in full bloom this 

 is a remarkable and highly-ornamental tree, the curiously- 

 marked flowers and unusually large, bronzy-tinted foliage 

 being distinct from those of almost any other in 

 cultivation. That it is not, perhaps, perfectly hardy in 

 every part of the country is to be regretted, but the 

 numerous fine old specimens that are to be met with 

 point out that there need be little to fear when assign- 

 ing this pretty and uncommon tree a position in our 

 parks and gardens. The flowers, produced in spikes at 

 the branch-tips, are white, tinged with violet, and speckled 

 with purple and yellow in the throat. Individually the 

 flowers are of large size and very ornamental, and, being 

 produced freely, give the tree a bright and pleasing appear- 

 ance when at their best. Usually the tree attains to a 

 height of 30 feet in this country, with rather crooked and 

 ungainly branches, and large heart-shaped leaves that are 

 downy beneath. It flourishes well on any free soil, and is 

 an excellent smoke-resisting tree. G. bignonioides aurea 

 is a decided variety, that differs mainly in the leaves being 

 of a desirable golden tint. There is a good variety named 

 purpurea. 



C. Btjngei and G. Kaempfesi, natives of Ghina and 

 Japan, are hardly to be relied upon, being of tender 

 growth, and, unless in the most favoured situations, suffer 

 from our severe winters. They resemble our commonly 

 cultivated tree. 



C. speciosa. — United States, 1879. The Western 

 Catalpa is more erect and taller of growth than C. 



