320 SYLVA PLORIFERA. 



This tree reaches about the same height as 

 the laburnum ; with which, and the guelder 

 rose, it makes an admirable group, as its 

 papilionaceous flowers, being of a rich purple, 

 contrast delightfully with the gold colour of 

 the one, and the snowy balls of the other. 

 Its flowers appear in May, before the leaves 

 have fully expanded ; and they come out of 

 the old branches, and often from the stem of 

 the tree, in large clusters. It is also a de- 

 sirable neighbour for the hawthorn, flowering 

 at the same time, and blending purple with 

 silver in the happiest manner. The foliage 

 is scarcely less ornamental than the flowers, as 

 its form and colour are peculiar to this tree 

 alone ; the leaflets being reniform and alter- 

 nately pinnate, of a pale bluish-green on the 

 upper surface, and sea-green underneath. And 

 it is observed, that they are never injured by 

 insects ; but the birds are fond of the flowers, 

 and often destroy them when fully open. 

 The bark on the branches is of a purplish 

 brown, and the branches grow alternately, 

 like the leaves. The French gardeners often 

 prune and shorten the branches, which renders 

 the tree more productive of flowers. It 

 loves a light soil and a sunny situation ; and 

 grows so freely in the South of France, Spain, 

 and Italy, as to be considered a native of 



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