136 TREES AND TREE-PLANTING. 
lightness of the racemes of its flowers, they give the 
plant a showy and elegant appearance. This shrub is in- 
digenous to the southeastern parts of the United States, 
where it is usually found growing on the banks of streams 
or rivulets. It may be propagated either from layers or 
seed. When its nuts are used in the raising they should 
be sown immediately after gathering. A small fruit is 
produced by this plant, which may be eaten either boiled 
or roasted, like the chestnut of Europe. 
