174 HARDY ORNAMENTAL 



Ruscus (Liliaceae). See Danae. 



Ruscus aculbatus. — Butcher's Broom, Pettigree and 

 Pettigrue. Europe (Britain) and North Africa. This is 

 a native evergreen shrub, ■with rigid cladodes which take 

 the place of leaves, and not very showy greenish flowers 

 appearing about May. For the bright-red berries, which 

 are as large as small marbles, it is alone worth cultivating, 

 while it is one of the few shrubs that grow at all satisfactorily 

 beneath the shade of our larger trees. 



B. Hypophtllum. — Double Tongue. Mediterranean 

 region, 1640. This species has the flowers on the under- 

 sides of the leaf-like branches ; and its variety E. H. 

 Hypoglossum has them on the upper side. Both are of 

 value for planting in the shade. 



B. eacemosus. See Dan.®. 



Sambucus (Caprifoliaceae). 



Sambucus californica. — Californian Elder. A rare 

 species as yet, but one that from its elegant growth and 

 duration of flowers is sure, when better known, to become 

 widely distributed. 



k S. canadensis . — Canada, 1761. This grows about 

 5 feet high, with pinnate leaves, and white, nearly scent- 

 less, flowers, which are succeeded by deep bluish-black 

 berries. 



S. glauca has its herbaceous parts covered with a thick 

 pubescence; leaves pubescent on both sides, and with 

 yellow flowers produced in umbels. 



X S. nigra. — Common Elder. Bourtry, or Bour tree. 

 Although one of our commonest native trees, the Elder 

 must rank amongst the most ornamental if only for its 

 large compound cymes of white or yellowish-white flowers, 

 and ample bunches of shining black berries. There are. 

 however, several varieties that should be largely cultivated, 



