DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS, 435 
The foliage is handsome; the flowers are disposed in 
large panicles, first green, changing to a reddish-brown, 
and afterwards a brownish smoke color. The flowers, or 
appendages to them, have the appearance of downy silk, 
in light, airy masses, and the plant is nearly covered with 
these graceful clusters, which have some resemblance to 
puffs of smoke emerging from among the graceful leaves. 
It is propagated from layers very readily. 
We have two poisonous species of Rhus, which are 
briefly mentioned that they may be avoided. RR. venena- 
ta, the Poison Sumach or Dogwood, is a handsome shrub, 
with foliage somewhat resembling that of R. glabra, but 
the leaflets are entire. The berries are in loose panicles, 
smooth and whitish. R. Towicodendron, the Poison Ivy, 
is a very common climber upon trees, rocks, stone walls, 
etc. The leaves are compound, of three variously lobed 
or entire leaflets, This character of the leaves will dis- 
tinguish it from the Virginia Creeper, for which it is some- 
times mistaken, as that has five leaflets. To some persons 
these species are poisonous to the touch, and very suscep- 
tible persons are affected by being in their vicinity. 
+ 
RIBES,—Courrsnt.—GoosEBerry. 
(The name said to be of Arabic origin.) 
Ribes sanguineum.—Red-flowering Currant,—This is a 
very handsome ornamental species, producing pendent ra- 
cemes of rich deep-red flowers, in May. The shrub is 
about three feet high; the foliage elegant. The plant is 
easily propagated by cuttings. I find it is rather tender, 
the extremities of the branches being often killed in this 
climate. Probably, if planted the north side of a wall, 
or where it is partially shaded with evergreens, it would 
succeed better. There is a white-flowered variety, and 
one with double flowers, which is very fine. 
