ON TREES AND SHRUBS. 



399 



P. a. nivea (P. argented) is an uncommon tree, and one of the 

 most ornamental of the white-leaved Poplars. The young shoots 

 and the under-surface of the leaves are covered with white 

 tomentum. P. a. pyramidalis (P. bolleana, P. Korolkowi) is of 

 erect growth and very effective ; it is well adapted for planting 

 in restricted areas, as its branches occupy but little space. Like 

 the last-named, the young growths and undersides of the leaves 

 are covered with white. P. deltoidea aurea has soft yellow leaves 

 set on bright red petioles, which gives it a distinct and pleasing 

 appearance, especially in autumn, when 

 the colour deepens to orange. Ad- 

 ditional beauty is afforded by reason of 

 the young growths being more or less 

 touched with red. It is free in growth, 

 and the foliage does not burn in hot 

 summers. P. Ontario variegata is a tree 

 of vigorous growth ; leaves large and 

 showy, dark green shaded with paler 

 green, and heavily mottled and splashed 

 with rich yellow. P. nigra pyramidalis 

 (P. fastigiatd) is a Poplar tree of 

 rapid and upright growth, and well 

 adapted to make a wind-break to pro- 

 tect more delicate trees and shrubs. 

 P. angustifolia {P. salicifolia) has dis- 

 tinct, narrow, Willow-like leaves. P. 

 balsamifera (Balsam Poplar) is vigorous, 

 and well adapted for hiding unsightly 

 buildings and shutting out ugly views. 

 P. b. candicans differs from the last by 

 having the under-sides of the leaves 

 covered with a whitish tomentum. It 

 succeeds in poor soils. P. laurifolia 

 (P. Lindleyana) and P. Simonii are 

 suitable for parks and pleasure-grounds. 



Prunus. — Under the genus Prunus 

 are now included the Almonds 

 (Amygdalus), Peaches -(Persica), and Cherries (Cerasus). All 

 blossom early, and as the flowers appear before • the leaves 

 a background of evergreen trees and a position beyond the 

 reach of cold east winds should be chosen. P. Amygdalus 

 (Amygdalus communis) (Fig. 257) grows to a height of from 

 20ft. to 30ft, and thrives in common soil ; in early spring, 

 almost before winter has gone, its rose-pink flowers give colour 

 to the' garden. P. A. flore-pleno is a lovely double-flowered rose- 

 coloured variety ; its blossoms last a long time in perfection. 

 The flowers of P. A. persicoides (Persica amygdaloides) are much 

 the same in colour, and . specially valuable for their very early 



Fig. 257. — Prunus (Amyg- 

 dalus) communis. 



