Street and Shade Trees. 23 



■tree. It does not attain to a large size and is therefore not adapted 

 to roadside use. The large-toothed poplar (/l grandidentata) is 

 a larger growing tree of a heavier cast. The balm of Gilead ( P. 

 candicans ) is one of the freest-growing and most useful members of 

 the genus. The poplars should never be planted heavily, but when 

 used with discretion they are among the most useful trees. 



Red bud or Judas tree {Cercis Canadensis) is a medium sized, orna- 

 mental tree, that has reddish-purple flowers, which cover the branches 

 before the leaves appear. The head is of irregular, roundish shape, 

 and the round leaves glossy green above and grayish green beneath. 

 The tree does best in a deep, friable, sandy loam. It is not large 

 enpiigh for street planting, but can be used for shade in small lawns. 

 1/^ Sweet gum or bilsted { Liquidambai- Styraciflua) makes a magnifi- 

 cent tree in the south and middle states, often attaining a hight of 100 

 feet and four or five feet in diameter. North of Pennsylvania it is 

 not usually hardy without protection. The head is roundish or tap- 

 ering, and the tree is beautiful at all stages of its growth, but espe- 

 cially in the autumn when the leaves, which have been a beautiful 

 glossy green all summer, turn to a purplish crimson. A moist, loamy 

 soil is best suited to it. It has the habit of a cottonwood with the 

 leaves of a maple. 



Sycamore, buttonwood or American plane tree ( Platanus occiden- 

 talism is a tree of large growth and beautiful form, well adapted to 

 plant along country roads and in lawns or parks. It requires a rich, 

 deep, moist soil, and does best when its roots can reach the water. 

 The oriental or common plane (/". orientalis) is a fine species, grow- 

 ing 60 to 80 feet high, but is not hardy in the north. The plane tree 

 is conspicuous for its long bare white arms and its curious leaves and 

 balls of fruit. It is easily transplanted, and grows rapidly. It is not 

 ppoperly appreciated. 

 / Tulip tree or whitewood ( Liriodendron Tulipifera ) is a magnificent 

 native tree of tall, pyramidal habit. The flowers, which are borne in 

 abundance as the tree attains age, resemble tulips, and the leaves are 

 broad, glossy and of a bright-green color. The trees are difficult to 

 transplant except when very small, unless they are nursery-grown. 

 For the lawn it is one of the best of the trees of this habit. A deep, 

 loamy soil is best suited to its growth. 



